Engine Failure and Post-Landing Fire in Airbus AS350 B2

Casualties unknown • RIO DE JANEIRO, RJ, BR

An engine failure during flight led to an emergency autorotation landing and subsequent engine fire in an Airbus AS350 B2 near Rio de Janeiro.

What happened

On January 22, 2012, an Airbus AS350 B2, registration PT-YLS, was performing a shuttle flight from Jacarepaguá Aerodrome to Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro. While flying near Grumari Beach, the pilot heard an unusual noise from the rear of the aircraft, followed by a loss of engine power and the activation of the low RPM audible alert.

The pilot successfully executed an emergency autorotation procedure, landing the helicopter in the Grumari Ecological Reserve. Following the landing, the pilot utilized the engine shut-off valve to stop the engine. Shortly after, a fire ignited in the engine area. Nearby firefighters were able to extinguish the flames before they could cause further damage.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 engine and the aircraft's maintenance history. The investigation revealed that the engine's main oil filter and magnetic plugs were heavily contaminated with iron filings. Technical analysis of the engine's module 3 showed that the rear bearing had experienced overheating, causing the rollers to fuse to the inner race and the outer race to become misaligned.

Investigators also looked into environmental and human factors. It was noted that sunlight hitting the cockpit, combined with the pilot's use of sunglasses, may have hindered the visibility of the chip detector light, which could have provided an earlier warning of the metal particle contamination.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the power loss was the failure of the rear bearing in module 3.
  • The engine's maintenance records were up to date, and the component had not yet reached its extended 3,600-hour overhaul limit.
  • The presence of metal filings in the lubrication system indicated significant internal wear prior to the failure.
  • Environmental conditions, specifically high cockpit glare, may have prevented the pilot from noticing the chip detector warning light.
  • The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engine, tail cone, tail rotor drive shaft, and fairing, but the pilot was unhurt.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by the mechanical failure of the module 3 rear bearing, which led to overheating and misalignment. This failure occurred before the extended service life limit, suggesting the current overhaul intervals may not be sufficient to detect such deterioration.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-01-22 aircraft accident near RIO DE JANEIRO, RJ, BR?

An engine failure during flight led to an emergency autorotation landing and subsequent engine fire in an Airbus AS350 B2 near Rio de Janeiro.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-01-22 involved a aircraft, registration PTYLS, at RIO DE JANEIRO, RJ, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by the mechanical failure of the module 3 rear bearing, which led to overheating and misalignment. This failure occurred before the extended service life limit, suggesting the current overhaul intervals may not be sufficient to detect such deterioration.

Loading the flight search…