MBB BK 117 B-1 N117US

Summary

On 14 August 2005 at about 20:20 local time, a MBB BK 117 B-1 registered N117US was involved in an accident near Jacksonville, Florida, United States. 3 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

14 August 2005 at 20:20

Classification

Accident

Location

Jacksonville, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

University Hospital (97J)

Coordinates

30.3481, -81.6778

Aircraft

MBB BK 117 B-1

Registration

N117US

Category

Helicopter

Engines

2

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Positioning

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Jacksonville → Jacksonville

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL05FA144

Nobody was injured.

The pilot in-flight decision to land in a unsuitable landing area during a precautionary landing. A factor was the loss of power on the number two engine.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter departed the University Hospital helipad en route to Middleburg, Florida. Approximately thirty seconds after takeoff, the pilot reported a loud noise, the helicopter shuddered, and the pilot reported that he lost power in the number one engine. The pilot attempted to gain forward airspeed to continue the flight on one engine, however after the helicopter cleared a set of power lines, the pilot decided to execute a precautionary landing into the backyard of a residential home. Upon touching down on a fence which was covered by hedges, the helicopter rolled onto the right side. Post-accident examination of the helicopter revealed the main rotor blades were broken outboard the pendulum weights, and the tail boom buckled on the lower surface aft of the attach fitting. The number one engine was functionally tested, and no discrepancies were noted during the engine run-up. Efforts to functionally test the number two engine were unsuccessful. However, the post examination of the power turbine kit revealed the elbow assembly was pierced allowing pressure control air to escape.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.