Pilot Debrief

Bell OH 58A near Omaha, NE — 2019-04-16

Final reportCEN19LA121
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Date
2019-04-16
Location
Omaha, NE, USA
Airport
3NO
Aircraft
Bell OH 58A
Registration
N109PD
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff and while climbing through 200 to 250 ft above ground level in a left turn, the pilots of the helicopter noted an audible horn, low main rotor rpm, and a loss of altitude” indicating a loss of rotor RPM and engine power." The flying pilot entered an autorotation to recover rotor rpm, and the pilots located a forced landing location. Upon touchdown, the forward landing gear skids dug into the soft terrain, and the helicopter rocked forward and backward, resulting in the main rotor contacting the tail boom. An examination of the helicopter revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The engine was removed and placed in a production test cell for an engine test run. The engine responded normally to all power demands without surging or hesitation. Based on the available evidence, the reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Performing maintenance checks after previous engine shutdowns could have prevented the loss of power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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