Robinson R44 II N395CE

Summary

On 7 January 2016 at about 20:00 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N395CE was involved in an incident near Anchorage, Alaska, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

7 January 2016 at 20:00

Classification

Incident

Location

Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Nearest airport

Ted Stevens Anchorage Intl (ANC)

Coordinates

61.1742, -149.9981

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N395CE

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2007

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Anchorage → Anchorage

Aircraft damage

Not recorded

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC16IA013

Nobody was injured.

The overhaul facility's improper and excessive use of an approved lubricant during overhaul of the fuel injection servo, which resulted in a disruption of fuel flow and a total loss of engine power.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that the purpose of the flight was to do a postmaintenance check flight after servicing and overhaul of the helicopter's fuel injection servo assembly. The instructor stated that, after an extensive preflight inspection was completed, the helicopter was moved outside the hangar. The helicopter's engine was started and allowed to warm up for about 10 minutes, and all ground run-up checks were satisfactory. While operating at 100 percent rotor rpm and while raising the collective to begin the takeoff, the engine abruptly experienced a total loss of power.The helicopter remained on the ground and did not sustain damage. A detailed examination, which included disassembly of the fuel injection servo, revealed white contamination ranging in consistency from grease-like to solid throughout the entire fuel servo assembly. The lubricant was used in excess and in locations not approved by the manufacturer's maintenance manual. It is likely that the contamination throughout the fuel injection servo caused a disruption in fuel flow, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.    

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.