Pilot Debrief

BELL OH-58A near Molalla, OR — 2021-11-15

Final reportWPR22LA034
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Date
2021-11-15
Location
Molalla, OR, USA
Aircraft
BELL OH-58A
Registration
N103WC
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter pilot was lifting off with an external load of Christmas trees. As the helicopter climbed above 60 ft above the ground (agl), the pilot reported that he simultaneously heard a change in sound from the engine and felt the helicopter yaw, but could not remember which direction the helicopter yawed. After he released the external load, the helicopter lost altitude and he heard the main rotor speed decay. He initiated an autorotation and raised the collective while maintaining heading in the landing flare. The skids contacted the water-soaked soil and the helicopter rocked nose-low, bounced, and came to rest upright. Subsequently, the main rotor blade struck the tailboom and separated the tail rotor and tail rotor gearbox assembly. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. The engine functioned normally during two separate tests and the intermittent operation of the fuel boost pump annunciator light could not be replicated. According to the helicopter manufacturer, under the given conditions, at a gross weight of 2,350 pounds and a height of 50 feet, a hover out of ground effect can be accomplished. The reason for the loss of engine power was undetermined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after the fuel boost light first illuminated.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents11

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