Pilot Debrief

MESSERSCHMITT-BOLKOW-BLOHM BK 117 B-2 near Carbondale, IL — 2011-11-13

Final reportCEN12CA078
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Date
2011-11-13
Location
Carbondale, IL, USA
Airport
5IS1
Aircraft
MESSERSCHMITT-BOLKOW-BLOHM BK 117 B-2
Registration
N330SL
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The main rotor blade’s contact with the vertical stabilizer during the engine shutdown in strong, gusty wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

During an engine shutdown procedure following an emergency medical services flight, a main rotor blade sustained substantial damage when it contacted the left vertical stabilizer. The main rotor blade was broken near its root, and the tailboom and tail rotor driveshaft cover were dented. The local recorded wind was 25 knots gusting to 34 knots. The damage was consistent with the main rotor blade flapping with the gusty wind conditions and impacting the stabilizer. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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