Pilot Debrief

ARROW FALCON EXPORTERS INC UH-1H near Stockton, CA — 2011-09-02

Final reportWPR11LA423
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Date
2011-09-02
Location
Stockton, CA, USA
Aircraft
ARROW FALCON EXPORTERS INC UH-1H
Registration
N205PJ
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to the separation of a tooth from the starter-generator drive gear, which resulted in failure of the engine oil pump and subsequent oil starvation.

NTSB narrative

During cruise flight, the pilot noted a fluctuation in the engine oil pressure followed by the illumination of the red warning light indicating low oil pressure. He performed a precautionary landing, and at 10 feet above ground level, the engine lost total power. The helicopter subsequently landed hard on uneven terrain and rolled onto its left side. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that a gear tooth on the starter-generator drive gear had separated. The separated tooth jammed the accessory gear drive train, which resulted in the failure of the engine oil pump and subsequent catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation. The reason for the failure of the gear tooth could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have landed earlier upon noticing oil pressure fluctuation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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