Accident Details
Date
Sunday, November 13, 2011
NTSB Number
CEN12CA078
Location
Carbondale, IL
Event ID
20111123X02155
Coordinates
37.726943, -89.221107
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1
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
Registration
N330SL
Make
MESSERSCHMITT-BOLKOW-BLOHM
Serial Number
7216
Year Built
1990
Model / ICAO
BK 117 B-2
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
AIR METHODS CORP
Address
7301 S PEORIA ST
Status
Deregistered
City
ENGLEWOOD
State / Zip Code
CO 80112-4133
Country
United States
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