Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO THE FAILURE OF AN ENGINE ACCESSORY OIL PUMP GEAR. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE AUTOROTATION.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On May 18, 1994, at 1830 central daylight time, a Bell 47G, N933B, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Sulphur, Oklahoma. The commercial pilot did not receive injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight.
The pilot reported a total loss of engine power at 50 feet above the ground during the initial phase of a turn-around maneuver. He further said that trees in the area and the height of the helicopter hindered his completion of a successful autorotation. The helicopter bounced during the hard landing and the main rotor blade flexed and severed the tailboom.
During a telephone interview the operator reported the total loss of engine power was due to the failure of the oil pump drive gear in the accessory case.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW94LA166