Pilot Debrief

Bell 47J near Franklin, IN — 2018-07-15

Final reportCEN18LA269
Sign in to save
Date
2018-07-15
Location
Franklin, IN, USA
Airport
3FK
Aircraft
Bell 47J
Registration
N8568F
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was conducting a test flight in conjunction with an annual inspection when the engine lost power about 50 ft above ground level, which resulted in a hard landing. The helicopter was destroyed by a postimpact fire. A witness reported a plume of smoke trailing the helicopter shortly before the accident. Before the day of the accident, the helicopter had not been flown for about 4 years. A postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation, although the engine examination was limited by the postimpact fire damage. Thus, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Completing the annual inspection before test flying the helicopter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

Related mishaps