What happened
On 30 August 2022, a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration TC-HCB, was performing a takeoff from the Baknet landing strip in Çiğli, İzmir, for a planned flight to an undefined landing point. Shortly after takeoff, while at an altitude of approximately 100–150 feet AGL, the crew received a low RPM warning and a governor amber light. The pilot attempted an emergency landing on an uneven dirt surface approximately 220 meters from the takeoff point. During the landing attempt, the right front skid caught on the terrain, causing the aircraft to tilt and overturn. The two crew members on board sustained one minor injury.
The investigation
The UEİM investigation involved a multi-disciplinary approach, including representatives from the BEA, Airbus Helicopters, and Safran Helicopter Engines. Investigators analyzed flight recorders (VEMD and DECU), examined the wreckage, and performed a laboratory analysis of debris. The engine was sent to Safran HE facilities in Tarnos, France, for test bench analysis. The investigation focused on the fuel system, engine components, and environmental factors such as the presence of salt, dust, and humidity in the region.
Findings
- The investigation established that the engine experienced a fuel flow restriction due to a blockage in the fuel injection manifold.
- Laboratory analysis of the fuel system revealed the presence of organic particles and brown translucent sediment, suggesting the presence of biological particles or bacteria within the fuel.
- While the source of the contamination could not be definitively identified, the investigation noted that the aircraft operated in a coastal, industrial environment characterized by high humidity and salt content.
- The investigation confirmed that the pilots, maintenance personnel, and the aircraft's airworthiness documentation were all in compliance with regulatory requirements.
- The engine's compressor and combustion chamber also contained traces of environmental debris, including calcium silicate and sodium chloride, likely ingested during the aircraft's overturn.