Pilot Debrief

MD HELICOPTER INC 369FF near Vega Baja, PR — 2015-07-24

Final reportERA15LA280
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Date
2015-07-24
Location
Vega Baja, PR, USA
Aircraft
MD HELICOPTER INC 369FF
Registration
N5842Z
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to insufficient lubrication to the engine's No. 2 bearing, which resulted in the failure of the bearing and a subsequent forced landing.

NTSB narrative

About 20 minutes into a flight, the helicopter's engine experienced a total loss of power while at an altitude of about 300 ft above ground level. The pilot then entered an autorotative descent, and during the landing attempt, the helicopter impacted an area of shallow water near a beach and the fuselage was substantially damaged. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 2 bearing had failed most likely as the result of a reduction in oil flow to the bearing. Examination of the tube that fed oil to the bearing revealed that it was unremarkable; however, its design had been superseded with an improved design for new helicopters several months before the accident. The newly designed tube was implemented to "decrease the bearing temperature and improve the bearing performance."

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Compliance with engine bulletin for improved oil delivery to bearing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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