Bell 206B N281CB

Summary

On 11 November 2008 at about 11:10 local time, a Bell 206B registered N281CB, operated by Air Coastal Helicoters Inc., was involved in an accident near Boynton Beach, Florida, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

11 November 2008 at 11:10

Classification

Accident

Location

Boynton Beach, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

Palm Beach County Park Airport (LNA)

Coordinates

26.5489, -80.0725

Aircraft

Bell 206B

Registration

N281CB

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Air Coastal Helicoters Inc.

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Lantana → Lantana

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Dawn

NTSB number

ERA09LA047

2 people had minor injuries.

A loss of engine power due to an undertorqued air line fitting to the fuel control.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

Approximately 8 minutes after the helicopter departed, the engine lost power and the pilot initiated an autorotation. To clear powerlines near the forced landing area, the pilot used collective to extend the helicopter's glide. The helicopter then touched down hard, severing the tail boom. Examination of the engine revealed that the "B"-nut for the pressure compressor (Pc) line from the power turbine governor to the fuel control unit was detached. Prior to an engine test run at the manufacturer's facility, the "B"-nut was placed in the same manner in which it was found at the accident site, with no thread engagement. The engine was started, warmed up, and throttle advanced to 65 percent N1. The engine experienced an uncommanded power reduction and decelerated to a sub-idle setting. A visual examination showed that the "B"-nut had loosened entirely and there was a gap between the Pc line and the "T"-fitting. After the Pc line was reinstalled and the "B"-nut was tightened with the proper torque, the engine was restarted and ran within production test standards. The Rolls-Royce operation and maintenance manual gave a warning that "failure to properly install, align and tighten fuel, oil, and air fittings and tubes could result in an engine failure." On November 8, 2008, an entry in the engine logbook indicated that the engine gearbox had been opened and inspected this process required the "B"-nut to be loosened and the lines separated to access the gearbox.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.