Summary
On May 28, 2007, a Messerschmitt BO-105 (N911GB) was involved in an incident near Isla De Vieques, PR. All 5 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The mechanic's failure to secure the engine governor locking hardware, which resulted in the right engine losing power.
On May 27, 2007, at 2046 eastern daylight time, N911GB, a Messerschmitt BO-105 helicopter, operated by Aviane Air Ambulance, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after takeoff from Vieques Hospital Heliport, Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico. The certificated commercial pilot, two paramedics, a passenger, and the patient were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the air ambulance flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135.
According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, shortly after takeoff the helicopter's right engine lost power, so the pilot performed an autorotation to the ground.
This incident is documented in NTSB report NYC07LA149. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N911GB.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The mechanic's failure to secure the engine governor locking hardware, which resulted in the right engine losing power.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On May 27, 2007, at 2046 eastern daylight time, N911GB, a Messerschmitt BO-105 helicopter, operated by Aviane Air Ambulance, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after takeoff from Vieques Hospital Heliport, Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico. The certificated commercial pilot, two paramedics, a passenger, and the patient were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the air ambulance flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135.
According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, shortly after takeoff the helicopter's right engine lost power, so the pilot performed an autorotation to the ground. During the autorotation, the helicopter "landed hard," and was substantially damaged.
Examination of the helicopter's right engine revealed the trim actuator control rod was disconnected, and the locking nut and washer, which secured the governor, were loose.
According to maintenance records provided by the operator, the right engine was installed on the helicopter on May 25, 2007. The governors were also rigged during the installation. The helicopter flew approximately 3 hours since the maintenance was performed.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC07LA149