MBB BO-105C N650MS

Summary

On 14 September 1995 at about 23:50 local time, a MBB BO-105C registered N650MS, operated by Hermann Hospital Life Flight, was involved in an accident near Houston, Texas, United States. 3 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

14 September 1995 at 23:50

Classification

Accident

Location

Houston, Texas, United States

Coordinates

29.7699, -95.3598

Aircraft

MBB BO-105C

Registration

N650MS

Category

Helicopter

Engines

2

Operator

Hermann Hospital Life Flight

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Positioning

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW95FA394

Nobody was injured.

the failure of the main transmission's #1 (left) input pinion assembly, due to the partially blocked oil passage which reduced oil flow, resulting in the disconnect of the drive shaft.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during cruise flight at 800 feet MSL, a 'whine' was heard, which was 'slightly' different from the normal whine of the engines. A loud 'snap' or 'bang' was heard followed by severe vibrations. After determining a dual engine failure, the number one engine fire warning light illuminated, and the smell of smoke was noticed. An autorotation was initiated to a mall parking lot. During the autorotation, the pilot increased collective to clear trees bordering the parking lot. The helicopter touched down and slid approximately 200 feet to a stop. When the nurse opened the door to evacuate, smoke billowed into the cabin from the 'tunnel area.' After confirming that the flight crew was well clear, the pilot exited the helicopter. Examination of the helicopter revealed the drive shaft for the left engine had separated from the transmission input shaft flange. Examination of the main transmission lower housing revealed debris partially blocking the oil channel for the left side input pinion. Examination of both engines revealed internal thermal and foreign object damage.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.