Pilot Debrief

AEROSPATIALE SA315 near Winters, CA — 2010-09-07

Final reportWPR10LA452
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Date
2010-09-07
Location
Winters, CA, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
AEROSPATIALE SA315
Registration
N17285
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A 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 reported that, after takeoff and about 200 feet above ground level, the engine decelerated to an idle power setting. The pilot initiated an autorotation, but, due to the low height above the ground, the helicopter landed hard. During the postaccident engine examination, the fuel pump and fuel governor were removed and placed on a test bench for an operational check. Both the fuel pump and governor performed within normal parameters. Further examination found non-metallic particles within the fuel filter; however, their presence would not have reduced the fuel flow and contributed to the engine deceleration event. An examination of the remaining engine components and airframe systems revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would preclude normal operation. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels more thoroughly before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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