Accident Eurocopter AS350D N90Q,
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ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 292664
 
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Date:Sunday 29 January 2006
Time:09:07 LT
Type:Silhouette image of generic AS50 model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different    
Eurocopter AS350D
Owner/operator:Alika Aviation, Inc.
Registration: N90Q
MSN: 2324
Year of manufacture:1990
Total airframe hrs:8174 hours
Engine model:Rolls-Royce 250-C30M
Fatalities:Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 7
Aircraft damage: Substantial
Category:Accident
Location:Kahului, Hawaii -   United States of America
Phase: Unknown
Nature:Unknown
Departure airport:Kahului Airport, HI (OGG/PHOG)
Destination airport:(KOGG)
Investigating agency: NTSB
Confidence Rating: Accident investigation report completed and information captured
Narrative:
During cruise flight the helicopter lost all engine power. The pilot made a hard forced during the autorotative descent onto a road. Post accident disassembly and examination of the engine disclosed that the power loss was due to the number two bearing sustaining significant damage [heavy roller deformation] and heat distress, consistent with an operating event with an insufficient oil supply. The engine had been leased by the operator from another firm. The operator's Director of Maintenance had installed the engine 13 operational hours prior to the accident flight. The record examination revealed, in part, that: (1) The engine's serial number (S/N) data plate was defaced such that the S/N's fifth numeric digit appears to have been overstruck onto the data plate, rendering the original, underlying digit illegible; (2) A 2003 logbook entry indicated that the engine was sold in an 'as is” condition and was unserviceable, but the entry had a single line drawn through it with the word 'void” and signed initials appearing above it; (3) a 2004 logbook entry indicated that long-term preservation was not accomplished, further maintenance was required, and a determination of serviceability was required before the next flight; and (4) the engine received an FAA Form 8130-3, 'Airworthiness Approval Tag,” dated December 18, 2005, which certified that the engine was in 'a condition for safe operation” and was found to be suitable for 'return to service” per 14 CFR 43.9. The pilot stated that he did not observe illumination of any annunciator warning light on the helicopter's cockpit warning annunciator panel (CWP) prior to the power loss event. Illumination of CWP lights provides the pilot with an early indication of an impending problem. The brightness control switch on the CWP was found in the minimum brightness position, rather than in the maximum position recommended for daylight operation.

Probable Cause: A total loss of engine power due to the internal effects on the bearings consistent with an operating event of insufficient oil supply. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper flare during the autorotative descent.

Accident investigation:
cover
  
Investigating agency: NTSB
Report number: LAX06LA098
Status: Investigation completed
Duration: 2 years
Download report: Final report

Sources:

NTSB LAX06LA098

Revision history:

Date/timeContributorUpdates
09-Oct-2022 07:30 ASN Update Bot Added

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