Pilot Debrief

BELL OH-58A near Jackson, TN — 2012-10-13

Final reportERA13TA021
Sign in to save
Date
2012-10-13
Location
Jackson, TN, USA
Airport
KMKL
Aircraft
BELL OH-58A
Registration
N40TN
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons because postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was providing aerial observation for law enforcement activity on the ground when he observed the rotor rpm decaying. He initiated a descending left 180-degree autorotation to a flat, grassy area. As he was lining up for the intended landing area, he noticed that a man on a riding lawnmower was moving toward his intended touchdown point. To avoid a collision, he maneuvered the helicopter to the right to get ahead of the lawnmower. The pilot determined that he could not make his intended touchdown point and landed on uneven terrain. The helicopter impacted the ground, which resulted in damage to the fuselage, main rotor system and separation of the tail boom. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined despite a thorough engine examination and test run.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a different landing area before initiating the descent.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents12

Related mishaps