Summary
On November 13, 2011, a Messerschmitt-bolkow-blohm BK 117 B-2 (N330SL) was involved in an incident near Carbondale, IL. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The main rotor blade’s contact with the vertical stabilizer during the engine shutdown in strong, gusty wind conditions.
During an engine shutdown procedure following an emergency medical services flight, a main rotor blade sustained substantial damage when it contacted the left vertical stabilizer. The main rotor blade broke near its root and the tailboom and tail rotor driveshaft cover were dented. The operator reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter. Local recorded winds were 190 degrees at 25 knots gusting to 34 knots.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN12CA078. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N330SL.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The main rotor blade’s contact with the vertical stabilizer during the engine shutdown in strong, gusty wind conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
During an engine shutdown procedure following an emergency medical services flight, a main rotor blade sustained substantial damage when it contacted the left vertical stabilizer. The main rotor blade broke near its root and the tailboom and tail rotor driveshaft cover were dented. The operator reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter. Local recorded winds were 190 degrees at 25 knots gusting to 34 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN12CA078