Bell 206 N518Z

Summary

On 5 June 2018 at about 16:45 local time, a Bell 206 registered N518Z, operated by DUE North Aviation LLC, was involved in an accident near Sanders, Kentucky, 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

5 June 2018 at 16:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Sanders, Kentucky, United States

Coordinates

38.6606, -85.0531

Aircraft

Bell 206

Registration

N518Z

Category

Helicopter

Year built

1987

Engines

1

Operator

DUE North Aviation LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Madison → Mount Orab

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR18LA164

2 people had minor injuries.

A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and a loss of main rotor rpm during the subsequent autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing. 

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot and observer were conducting a powerline patrol flight in the helicopter. About 40 minutes into the flight, while flying at 35 to 40 knots about 120 ft above ground level, the pilot heard the main rotor losing speed; the low rotor rpm light subsequently illuminated, and the associated aural warning sounded. The pilot entered an autorotation, during which he raised the collective to avoid impacting a set of power transmission lines. The pilot reported that the rotor speed remaining upon reaching the touchdown point was insufficient to cushion the landing, and the helicopter landed hard, resulting in substantial damage. After landing, the pilot noted that the engine was still partially producing power, and he shut it down using the throttle. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or component failures that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the available information, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.