BELL 206 - L4 near Lake City, AR — 2013-06-19

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated he was on final approach to a private helipad about 80 to 100 feet above the ground at an airspeed of 40 knots when the engine lost partial power. He lowered the collective and touched down short of the helipad on the edge of tall grass and dirt, and the helicopter subsequently bounced. A postaccident examination of the airframe and a test run of the engine in a test cell and on the airframe identified no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The cause of the partial loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Engine power loss

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have aborted the approach earlier to ensure a safe landing.

NTSB coding

• Loss of engine power (partial) · Approach-VFR pattern final

Evidence available

• 8 docket documents

Docket documents8

• NTSB Party Form - Air Evac Lifeteamform
• NTSB Party Form - Rolls Royceform
• NTSB Wreckage Retention - Release Formform
• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1Aform
• Written Statement - Pilotinterview
• Email From FAAother
• Results-Operational Acceptance Flight Checklist BH 206Lother
• NTSB Engine Examination Reportreport

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