What happened
On 8 July 2012, a Bell 206L-3 Longranger III, registration G-LVDC, was performing a commercial air transport flight near Silverstone, Northampton. After dropping passengers at the Silverstone Circuit, the pilot attempted to depart for a feeder site located approximately 12 km to the east. During the initial climb, at an altitude of roughly 300 ft, a low rotor RPM warning horn activated.
In response to the warning, the pilot immediately initiated an autorotation by lowering the collective and closing the throttle to idle. The pilot then attempted to re-open the throttle and lift into a hover while monitoring the engine gauges. Although the gauges initially appeared normal, the pilot noticed a rocking motion. The warning horn continued to sound throughout the process, prompting the pilot to execute a forced landing into a nearby field. The landing was completed successfully with only a short run-on.
Following the event, the pilot identified damage to the main rotor blades and the vertical fins on the horizontal stabilisers, which the pilot attributed to the forced landing.
The investigation
Investigators examined the engine, fuel, fuel system, and all associated controls to determine the cause of the low rotor RPM. Maintenance specialists also conducted a test bed run of the engine at a dedicated facility. These inspections revealed no mechanical or system faults. The pilot suggested that the incident may have been caused by either a transient reduction in engine power or an error in failing to fully open the throttle during the departure.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the vertical fins and main rotor blades.
- A low rotor RPM warning occurred during the climb phase of the takeoff.
- No defects were identified in the engine, fuel system, or related controls during post-accident inspections.