The National Transportation Safety Board traveled to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona
Federal Aviation Administration; Washington, District of Columbia
Federal Aviation Administration; Fort Worth, Texas
Turbomeca USA; Grand Prairie, Texas
American Eurocopter; Grand Prairie, Texas
Air Methods; Englewood, Colorado
Aviation Accident Consultants; Carlsbad, California
Helicopter Services Nevada; Boulder City, Nevada
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:
LifeNet
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Accident Number: WPR10FA371
Date and Time: July 28, 2010, 13:42 Local
Registration: N509AM
Aircraft: AMERICAN EUROCOPTER LLC AS 350 B3
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Positioning
Analysis
The single-engine helicopter was operating near its maximum gross weight and was on a repositioning flight back to its home base. About 6 minutes into the flight, cruising at 800 feet above ground level (agl), the helicopter experienced a complete loss of engine power. Witnesses observed the helicopter, which had been flying steadily in a southeast direction, suddenly descend rapidly into a densely populated residential area. Descent rates calculated from the last 10 seconds of radar data were consistent with an autorotation. The witnesses reported that, as the helicopter neared the ground, its descent became increasingly vertical. Examination of the accident site revealed that the helicopter was in a level attitude with little forward speed when it impacted a 5-foot-high concrete wall, which penetrated the fuselage and ruptured the fuel tank. A postimpact fire consumed the cabin and main fuselage of the helicopter.
An open roadway intersection was located about 300 feet beyond the accident site, in line with the helicopter’s flight path. It is likely that the pilot was attempting to make an autorotative approach to the open area; however, he was unable to reach it because he had to maneuver the helicopter over a row of 40-foot-tall power lines that crossed the helicopter’s flight path near the accident site. This maneuver depleted the rotor rpm, which, as reported by the witnesses, caused the helicopter’s descent to become near vertical before it impacted the concrete wall, which was across the street from the power lines.
The pilot had no training flights during the 317 days since his most recent 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 check flight. The lack of recent autorotation training/practice, although not required, may have negatively impacted the pilot’s ability to maintain proficiency in engine failure emergency procedures and autorotations. However, because the engine failed suddenly at low altitude over a congested area, more recent training may not have changed the outcome.
External examination of the engine at the accident site revealed that the fuel inlet union that connected to the fuel injection manifold and provided fuel from the hyrdomechanical unit to the combustion section had become detached from the boss on the compressor case. The two attachment bolts and associated nuts were not present on the union flange nor were they located within the helicopter wreckage debris. Separation of the fuel inlet union from the fuel injection manifold interrupted the supply of fuel to the engine and resulted in a loss of engine power. Postaccident engine runs performed with an exemplar engine showed that, with loose attachment bolts and nuts, the union initially remained installed and fuel would not immediately leak. As the engine continued to operate, the loose nuts would progressively unscrew themselves from the bolts. With the bolts removed, the union would ultimately eject from the boss, and the engine would lose power due to fuel starvation.
The helicopter's engine had undergone maintenance over several days preceding the accident. The maintenance was related to fuel coking of the fuel injection manifold. The operator's mechanics removed the engine from the helicopter and separated the modules. Another engine with the identical problem was also undergoing the same maintenance procedure at the time. A repair station technician was contracted to complete the maintenance on both engines. The operator's mechanics and the repair station technician disassembled the accident engine and set it aside. They then performed the required maintenance on the other engine, before returning to complete the work on the accident engine. While working on the accident engine, the repair station technician disassembled module 3, replaced the fuel injection manifold, and then reassembled the engine. This work required that the fuel inlet union be removed and reinstalled. It is likely that the technician did not tighten the bolts and nuts securing the union with a torque wrench and only finger tightened them. The engine was reinstalled into the helicopter by the operator's maintenance personnel. The repair station technician was serving as both mechanic and inspector, and he inspected his own work. There were no procedures established by the operator or the repair station to ensure that the work performed by the technician was independently inspected. Further, although 14 Code of Federal Regulations 135.429, applicable to Part 135 operators using aircraft with 10 or more passenger seats, states, in part, “No person may perform a required inspection if that person performed the item of work required to be inspected,” there is no equivalent requirement for aircraft, such as the accident helicopter, with 9 or fewer passenger seats. An independent inspection of the work performed by the technician may have detected the improperly installed fuel inlet union.
In 2008, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) principal maintenance inspector (PMI) for the repair station removed the repair station's authorization to perform work at locations other than its primary fixed location. However, the Repair Station Manual was not updated to reflect this change, and the PMI did not follow up on the change, nor did he log the change in the FAA’s tracking system. The PMI was unaware that, in the year before the accident, the repair station had performed work for the operator at locations other than the repair station’s primary fixed location at least 19 times. The FAA's inadequate oversight of the repair station allowed the repair station to routinely perform maintenance at locations other than its primary fixed location even though this practice was not authorized.
The duty pilot performed a 7.5-minute abbreviated post maintenance check flight the evening before the accident. A full maintenance check flight conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's flight manual should, under normal conditions, take 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Had a full check flight been performed, it is likely that the union would have detached from the boss during the check flight. Because the helicopter would not have been operating near its maximum gross weight and the check flight would have been conducted over an open area, the pilot would have had greater opportunities for a successful autorotative landing.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The repair station technician did not properly install the fuel inlet union during reassembly of the engine; the operator’s maintenance personnel did not adequately inspect the technician's work; and the pilot who performed the post maintenance check flight did not follow the helicopter manufacturer's procedures. Also causal were the lack of requirements by the Federal Aviation Administration, the operator, and the repair station for an independent inspection of the work performed by the technician. A contributing factor was the inadequate oversight of the repair station by the Federal Aviation Administration, which resulted in the repair station performing recurring maintenance at the operator’s facilities without authorization.
Findings
Personnel issues Replacement - Maintenance personnel
Personnel issues Post maintenance inspection - Maintenance personnel
Personnel issues Incomplete action - Flight crew
Organizational issues Document revision tracking - FAA/Regulator
Organizational issues Oversight of reg compliance - FAA/Regulator
Organizational issues Oversight of maintenance - Maintenance provider
Organizational issues Emergency proc training - Operator
Factual Information
HISTORY OF FLIGHT
On July 28, 2010, at 1342 mountain standard time, an American Eurocopter AS 350 B3, N509AM, descended rapidly and collided with terrain in an urban area of Tucson, Arizona. The helicopter was operated by Air Methods Corporation, as LifeNet 12, on a repositioning flight, under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The commercial pilot and two medical flight crew members were fatally injured. The helicopter was substantially damaged, and consumed by a post impact fire. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company flight plan had been filed. The repositioning flight originated at the Marana Regional Airport, Tucson, at 1332, and the intended destination was the Air Methods base in Douglas, Arizona.
Witnesses reported observing the helicopter flying steadily in a southeast direction when it started to descend rapidly. Witnesses also stated that the helicopter made some unusual ‘whump, whump’ sounds, and rapid intermittent popping sounds, which were followed by unusual quietness as the helicopter descended. As the helicopter turned and got closer to the ground its flight trajectory became increasingly vertical. The helicopter impacted a 5-foot-high concrete wall and was consumed by a post impact fire.
The accident helicopter (N509AM) was positioned at the Marana Regional Airport on July 24 to undergo engine maintenance related to a fuel coking problem. The helicopter’s engine was removed, and the fuel manifold was removed and replaced. This process involved removing all the external engine piping and harnesses, separating the engine modules, removing and replacing the fuel manifold, and reassembling the engine. The engine was reinstalled on the evening of Tuesday, July 27, and the Marana base pilot and base mechanic performed a 7.5-minute post maintenance check flight.
At 1132 on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, the Douglas aircrew arrived at Marana in the area’s spare helicopter, N106LN. The crew swapped out the medical equipment from N106LN to the accident helicopter, N509AM. At 1329, the pilot called Life Com and reported that LifeNet 12 (N509AM) had departed Marana with 3 people, 2 hours 55 minutes of fuel, and an estimated time en route to Douglas of 55 minutes.
Radar data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recorded the first radar return of LifeNet 12, transponder code 0461, at 1334:33, 2,600 feet mean sea level (msl), slightly southeast of Marana. The terrain elevation between Marana and Tucson is approximately 2,300 feet msl. The track proceeded on a course of 112 degrees magnetic for 17 miles directly to the accident location. The helicopter gradually climbed to 3,200 feet by 1339:19, and continued to maintain altitude between 3,000 and 3,200 feet msl until 1341:23. The final two radar returns were 1341:28 at 2,600 feet msl, and 1341:33 at 2,400 feet msl, and were located in the vicinity of the accident site.
LifeNet 12 initially checked in with Tucson TRACON about 1333,“ Tucson Approach, LifeNet 12 on 23, correction, 2400.” Tucson TRACON acknowledged LifeNet 12 and asked what the request was. LifeNet 12 responded, “….we just came off of Marana, we’re gonna be heading southeast bound low level though your area back to Douglas VFR.” Tucson TRACON responded,“LifeNet 12, Tucson Approach, roger, you are radar contact 4 miles southeast of Marana Airport. Tucson altimeter is 30.01.” LifeNet 12 replied, ”30.01 LifeNet 12 thanks.”
No other communications with LifeNet 12 were recorded. At 1341:38, the Tucson TRACON controller noticed that LifeNet 12 had dropped off the radar display and attempted to contact LifeNet 12 unsuccessfully numerous times.
The radar data, consisting of latitude, longitude, and mode C altitude, was used to determine the helicopter’s ground speed, altitude changes, rate of climb changes, and headings. The ground speed averaged between 120 and 130 knots between the first radar return and the final radar return. The altitude increased from 250 feet agl to 750 feet agl in the first 3.5 minutes of the flight and stabilized between 750 and 850 feet for the next 2.5 minutes. Then the altitude decreased at 200 feet per minute (fpm) for 10 seconds, leveled off for 10 seconds at 750 feet, then descended rapidly (approximate rate of descent was 2,300 fpm) for the final 10 seconds of data. The ground speed decreased from 132 knots towards 70 knots over the last 20 seconds of data. The heading was consistent along 112 degrees magnetic heading for the initial 6.6 minutes of data and then changed to 132 degrees during the final 20 seconds of data. The helicopter entered its final descent from approximately 800 feet agl about 30 seconds before the final radar return. The final 10 seconds of data is consistent with an autorotative descent. The distance traveled over the ground by the helicopter during the last 30 seconds of radar data was approximately 1.3 miles, and approximately 0.25 miles over the final 10 seconds.
In the vicinity of the accident location, there was an open roadway intersection that was free of obstacles. This open area was about 570 feet from the final radar return, and about 300 feet from the point of ground impact, in line with the final flight path trajectory of the helicopter.
External examination of the engine at the accident site revealed that the fuel inlet union was detached from the boss on the compressor case. The fuel supply line remained attached to the union and the hydro-mechanical unit (HMU) via the adjusted valve. The intermediate gasket was located in the fuselage debris, directly below the union.
PERSONNEL INFORMATION
Pilot
The pilot, age 61, held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single engine land, rotorcraft-helicopter, instrument-airplane and helicopter, issued on November 11, 2008. He held a second-class medical certificate with the limitation that he wear corrective lenses for intermediate vision, issued on January 5, 2010. Prior to being employed by Air Methods, the pilot flew for the US Army, and US Border Patrol. According to colleagues, he retired from the Border Patrol in 2002. In 2002, the pilot was hired by Rocky Mountain Helicopters and was retained after Air Methods acquired the company. During his time in the US Border Patrol, all the pilots received two check flights year. During these check flights they would fly with an instructor pilot, and practiced full landing autorotations.
Pilot information provided by Air Methods dated June 25, 2008, documented the pilot’s total flight time at 13,900 hours, 9,465 rotary-wing hours, 4,500 single engine fixed wing hours, and 100 hours of total instrument time. The pilot’s duty log maintained by Air Methods documented that he accumulated 86.9 hours between January 1 and July 28, 2010, and 7.5 hours within the 30 days prior to the accident. Pilot training records provided by Air Methods documents that he received AS 350 pilot transition training from Aerospatiale, and was qualified as pilot-in-command on February 10, 1989. He received ground and flight training for the AS 350 B3 in August 2002. The pilot received his most recent annual FAR 135.293 and FAR 135.299 Airman Competency/Proficiency Check on Sept 14, 2009. All areas of the examination were graded as ‘S’ (satisfactory) and no discrepancies were noted. Instrument procedures were not practiced; however, an ILS approach arrival was performed, and use of an autopilot was check marked ‘not authorized.’ Power failure, autorotation to a power recovery, and hovering autorotations were performed. The listed aircraft the pilot was authorized to operate were the AS 350 B2, AS 350 B3 2B, and AS 350 B3 2B1.
A review of the pilot’s training records for the previous 4 years was conducted. During the 50 months prior to the accident, the pilot had completed 6.9 hours of training flights and approximately 4.4 hours of proficiency check flights totaling 11.3 hours. The pilot completed one semi-annual training flight and three recurrent training flights during those 50 months, and had no training flights where he would have practiced autorotations between his most recent FAR 135.293 check flight and the day of the accident, a span of 317 days. All the training events were graded as “meets FAA pilot training standards (PTS)” and power recovery autorotations were practiced on each training flight and each competency/proficiency check.
Helicopter Services of Nevada (HSN) Mechanic
The mechanic who replaced the fuel manifold was employed as a technician for Helicopter Services of Nevada (HSN). He is an A&P, and had been employed at HSN since September 2009 as the Director of Maintenance for Turbomeca Engines. Prior to coming to HSN, he worked for 23 years at Turbomeca.
In his position at HSN he oversaw four mechanics, and was responsible for arranging work for his employees. Under contract with Turbomeca, the technicians for Helicopter Services of Nevada perform repairs and Level 3 maintenance. They also perform maintenance at their facility in Boulder City. The majority of their work is in the field through the contract with Turbomeca. The mechanic had accomplished his initial Level 3 Turbomeca training in 1998.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
The helicopter was a Eurocopter AS 350 B3, serial number 4698, and was manufactured in 2009. The FAA Airworthiness certificate was issued September 9, 2009. FAA registration records show that Air Methods acquired the helicopter December 23, 2009. It was configured for medical transport of a single patient on a gurney. The gurney was located on the left side of the helicopter and extended over the left side of the cockpit into the left side of the cabin. The crew consists of a single pilot, a flight nurse, and paramedic. A review of the helicopter’s maintenance records revealed that it had 352 total hours at the time of the accident, and the most recent maintenance inspection was the Air Methods’ 20-hour B61 engine inspection at 352 engine and aircraft hours, on July 27, 2010.
In the accident pilot’s off call to LifeCom he reported “2+55” (2 hours 55 minutes) of fuel, which equates to a fuel load of 90%. Mission fuel is usually 2 hours, and the flight to Douglas would have taken 55 minutes, therefore, the helicopter would have landed at Douglas with a mission fuel load of 2 hours. Weight and balance calculations were done by the pilot utilizing a spreadsheet program, available at each base and tailored for each specific helicopter. The actual weight and balance calculation performed by the pilot for the accident flight was not recorded at Marana and was not located in the wreckage (presumed destroyed). The spreadsheet program, designated AS350-B3-Dual Hyd, N509AM (Rev 4 – 3 Feb 09), listed the helicopter weight as 3,329 pounds, pilot weight as 210 pounds, medical crew weights as 210 pounds and 260 pounds, medical equipment weight as 310 pounds, and liquid oxygen (LOX) weight as 18 pounds. Total helicopter weight (without fuel) was 4,330 pounds. The spreadsheet then produces a table that computes fuel load and cargo capacity (loading table). The loading table lists the maximum fuel load as 90% (860 pounds), which will keep the helicopter slightly below gross weight and allows for no additional cargo/passengers. The total aircraft weight with this load was 5,190 pounds, and the moment arm was at 131.2 inches. The flight manual lists the maximum gross weight as 5,225 pounds.
According to the fueling receipt from Tucson Aeroservice Center, dated July 28, 2010, for aircraft N509AM, the quantity of fuel purchased was 105 gallons. The lineman that fueled the helicopter recalled the pilot requesting that 100 gallons of fuel be added to the helicopter, and that when he was done fueling, the fuel load was not 100%. The aircraft weight and balance record that was located in the helicopter flight manual and retrieved from the aircraft wreckage was dated December 12, 2009. The operational empty weight that was listed in the weight and balance document was 3,314 pounds and the longitudinal moment arm listed was 138 inches. Based on the crew weights, equipment loading, and the pilot’s 2+55 endurance calculation (the helicopter had a 90% (860 lbs) fuel load), would put the helicopter inside the weight and balance envelope at 5,182 lbs at takeoff.
The 15 lb difference between the helicopter empty weight documented in the weight and balance sheet and the spreadsheet program could not be completely explained by the operator. However, it was observed that the version of the spreadsheet used by the accident crew was dated February 3, 2009, and the most recent helicopter weight and balance documentation was dated December 12, 2009.
Helicopter Maintenance Review
Interviews conducted with the mechanics that had recently worked on the helicopter, and the pilot who flew the helicopter prior to the accident aircrew accepting the helicopter, revealed that the helicopter had been sent to Marana for maintenance related to an engine coking problem. According to a Turbomeca representative, fuel coking means that the injection manifold becomes coated with carbon deposits. As the engine temperature decreases, the tolerances usually decrease so that the engine will sometimes rotate with associated noise and the gas generator can seize when the engine cools down, preventing next starting. Fuel coking does not affect flight performance. The replacement of the fuel manifold is considered a level 3 maintenance action, and the Air Methods mechanics at Marana were authorized to perform up to level 2 maintenance. Helicopter Services of Nevada (HSN), who was authorized to perform level 3 maintenance, was contracted by Air Methods to perform the work at Marana.
Between July 24 and July 26, the engine was removed by Air Methods maintenance personnel, and the engine modules were separated. During this time, an additional engine with fuel coking also had to have the fuel manifold replaced. The accident engine was disassembled first, and the mechanics realized that they would need additional parts and tooling to complete the work. The accident engine was set aside and the second engine was disassembled and the fuel manifold replaced. As the Air Methods mechanics completed the work on the second engine, the HSN technician replaced the fuel manifold on the accident engine. During the work on the accident engine, module 3 was disassembled, the fuel injection manifold replaced, the engine reassembled by HSN technician, including the fuel inlet union. The engine was reinstalled into the helicopter by Air Methods maintenance personnel. The HSN technician inspected his own work, and as an HSN technician working away from its fixed location he had the authority to inspect his own work. The Air Methods mechanics stated that they did not specifically inspect the HSN technician’s work, however, they did inspect the engine after it was installed into the helicopter. Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 does not require an independent inspection of maintenance.
In interviews with the Air Methods mechanics and HSN technician, they all reported feeling a sense of pressure to complete the maintenance and return the helicopters to service.
The Marana duty pilot performed a ground run of the helicopter, and after the ground run, the engine’s hydromechanical unit (HMU) was found to be leaking. The next day, July 27, the HMU leak was resolved and the pilot again performed a ground run. The pilot received permission from the Area Aviation Manager to put the base out of service while he performed the post maintenance check flight. Air Methods “AVL Hub Interface” system recorded that the maintenance test flight occurred on July 27, from 1743 to 1750 hours. According to the pilot the following flight checks were performed: droop check, rate of climb check, cruise power check, flight limit indicator check, flame out check, and autorotation. The pilot stated that the entire post maintenance check flight took 7.5 minutes. No records of the test flight results were retained.
The AS 350 B3 Flight Manual, Section 8.3.2, contains a matrix that illustrates what post maintenance checks need to be performed for various maintenance action or components replaced. For maintenance on an engine, FADEC, or module the following checks are to be performed after the ground run: hover flight, maximum continuous power climb, maximum take off power check, and maximum continuous power level flight. According to the American Eurocopter Chief Pilot, these checks usually take between 30 and 45 minutes to complete.
The Marana duty pilot stated that he had not received any training specific to post maintenance check flights and that any Air Methods pilot qualified in model can perform a maintenance check flight.
Helicopter Maintenance Records Review
The Maintenance Group Chairman reviewed the maintenance records for the helicopter.
Immediately following the accident, Air Methods supplied electronic copies of the records. On August 12, 2010, an NTSB air safety investigator from the Denver Regional Office retrieved the hard copy records from the Air Methods facility. The Maintenance Group Chairman reviewed the records at the Denver Regional Office on August 24, 2010.
The helicopter began operating in the Air Methods fleet in December 2009. The last inspection was a 20-hour inspection that was completed on July 27, 2010, at a total time of 352 hours.
Review of the airworthiness directives (ADs) did not reveal any ADs that were not in compliance. Review of the maintenance records showed that on June 21, 2010, the engine cycles had exceeded the inspection requirements outlined in Airworthiness Directive 2009-09-03. The airworthiness directive was due at 600 hours or 500 cycles, whichever occurred first. At the time of the inspection, the engine had accrued 308.34 hours and 515.28 cycles. The company identified the oversight and complied with the airworthiness directive.
Review of the Air Methods maintenance records showed that on July 22, 2010, at 351.06 hours, the Air Methods "Aircraft Record of Maintenance" form noted "Aircraft won't crank," Air Methods Record of Maintenance Log Leaf #595941.
On July 23, at 352 hours, the engine was removed for repair due to "fuel coking."
On July 24, the form noted "Removed and replaced injection manifold referencing Arriel2 MTI [Maintenance Technical Instruction] No. X292M13032, update No. 4, January 30, 2008. Assembled referencing Arriel 2B1MM [Maintenance Manual] X292N54502, Revision No. 19,
March 30, 2009. Work performed under WO [Work Order]#M517@FAA CRW KBMR477F, Helicopter Services of Nevada."
The work order and Turbomeca Technical Maintenance Report records completed by the Helicopter Services of Nevada technician were intermixed. According to HSN WO M-517, the cover page indicated the work order was pertinent to engine SN 46268; however, subsequent
pages were applicable to engine SN 23366 and SN46268. Review of Helicopter Services of Nevada work order M-517 showed the following entries, all dated July 26:
"Disassembled engine 23366 to access M03 [module 3] S/N 20007. Removed fuel manifold 0292217030 S/N ANR 54450 and installed 0292217030 S/N 1956B references MTI No. X292MI3032."
"Reassembled engine 23366 to accommodate engine. Referencing Arriel 2B1. M.M. X292N54502 revision 19 March 30, 2009. Ground runs, oil pressure, and vibration good."
"HMU [Hydro-Mechanical Unit] is leaking from drain. Customer to replace TU43 seal. "
On HSN Work Order M-518, WO number M-517 was crossed out and M-518 was written in its place. The engine serial number noted on the document was 46268. The corrective action was indicated as follows:
"Disassembled engine 46268 to access MO 3, SN 9853. Removed fuel manifold PN0292217030 SN ANR 2451 and installed 0292217030 SN 861B. Referencing MTI No.X292M13032 update No. 4, Jan 30, 2008."
On July 26, the Air Methods maintenance records stated "Reinstalled repaired engine SN46268 I/A/W Turbomeca Maintenance Manual, Chap 71 & 72. Ground run check OK. Front oil pressure check at 50 PSI. Rear oil pressure check at 19 PSI. Fuel Temp of 82 degrees, engine vibe check at 6 mms. The drive shaft balance check at .47 IPS." A later entry noted "HMU valve seal leaking."
On July 27, "Removed HMU SN 26003 from aircraft and replaced valve seal. Reinstalled HMU SN 26003 in aircraft I/A/W Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 Maintenance Manual Chap 73, PN 95601706620 valve seal, 1 EA, PN 9794410095 oring4ea, PN 9794710300 -ring, 1EA, PN 9682001605, O-ring 1EA, PN979441032, O-ring 1EA, PN 979441075, O-ring 1EA, PN 9794710200, O-ring 1EA, PN 9794710028 O-ring 1EA." During this maintenance, the mechanic completed AD 2007-10-07, the HMU Coupling Shaft Spline Inspection.
Also on July 27, the Air Methods 20-hour engine inspection was completed and the following entry was noted: "I certify that this aircraft has been inspected I/A/W Air Methods Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 engine 20 hour B61 inspection and was found to be in an airworthy condition at this time. Next compliance due by 372+7, A/C T.T. 372+7 ENG T.T. PWR Ck: 96.2 NG, 795 CT4, 71 TQ, 392 NR, ZP 5780, 24.8 OAT, T4 Margin -40 degrees, TQ Margin 2.5 degrees."
Injection Manifold Replacement
Replacement of the injection manifold is outlined in Turbomeca Maintenance Technical Instruction (MTI) X292M13032Rev4. The MTI instructs the technician to disassemble the engine and remove the injection manifold. It is then inspected. Once it is determined if components will be repaired or replaced, the injection manifold (or replacement) is reinstalled, and the engine reassembled. The full manufacturer's guidance, MTI X292M13032Rev4, is included as an attachment to this report.
In the MTI guidance, it states the following:
Removal of the jet union (Refer to Figure 501) (Detail C)
-Remove the nuts (72-43-00-01-304) (x2).
-Remove the screws (72-43-00-01-302) (x2).
-Remove the jet union (72-43-00-01-300).
-Remove and discard the special seal (72-43-00-01-340).
-Remove and discard the preformed packings (72-43-00-01-330) (x2).
Remove the screw (72-43-00-01-350) and discard the seal (72-43-00).
For reinstallation, it states the following:
Installation of the jet union (Refer to Figure 1006)
-Lubricate and install the preformed packings (72-43-00-01-330) (x2) on the jet union (72-43-00-01 -300).
-Install the special seal (72-43-00-01-340) on the flange of the intermediate casing (72-43-00-02-170).
-Install the jet union assembly (72-43-00-01-300) on the flange of the intermediate casing.
-Attach with the screws (72-43-00-01-302) (x2) and the nuts (72-43-00-01-304) (x2).
-Install the screw (72-43-00-01-350) with its seal (72-43-00-01-360) on the jet union
-(72-43-00-0 1 -300).
-Torque the nuts (72-43-00-01-304) (x2) and the screw (72-43-00-01-350) to 0.24 daN.m.
As installed, the jet union is visible when looking at the exterior of the engine. No torque striping is required.
Turbomeca authorizes reuse of hardware as noted in the maintenance manual.
According to the Eurocopter Maintenance Manual (71.00.03.401, Section 09-31, Page 01.00), when an engine is removed and installed, maintenance personnel need to refer to the flight manual, Section 8, in addition to engine documentation, the maintenance manual, and the standard practices manual. On Page 07.00 of this document, it states to perform a checkout ground run as per the Flight Manual Section 8.
In addition to those items listed in the maintenance manual, post maintenance operational check flights are required. In the Flight Manual, Section 8, it states that in addition to the flight report, VEMD [Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display] ground run checks, a hover flight, maximum continuous power climb, maximum takeoff power check, and maximum continuous power level flight checks must be performed.
Engine Flame-Out: Audio Warnings, Visual Indications, & Pilot Emergency Procedure.
Section 3 of the AS 350 B3 Flight Manual provides information regarding helicopter emergencies, the warnings or alerts associated with a particular emergency, and the procedures to follow once the emergency has been identified. Continuous tone audio warnings are provided when the rotor (NR) is below 360 rpm (310 Hz tone), and when the maximum takeoff power limitation is exceeded (285 Hz tone). An intermittent tone is heard when NR is above 410 rpm (310 Hz). A gong is generated each time a red warning appears on the warning panel. Vy = 65kts – (1kt/1000 feet)
Section 3.2 contains Engine Flame-Out information. The procedures listed for an engine flameout in cruise flight are as follows:
1. Collective pitch….. Reduce (to maintain NR in green arc)
2. IAS…………………..Vy
- If relight impossible or after tail rotor failure
3. Twist grip…………. IDLE detent
4. Maneuver the aircraft into the wind on final approach
- At height ˜ 70 ft (21 m)
5. Cyclic …………….. Flare
- At 20/25 ft (6/8 m) and at constant attitude
6. Collective pitch……. GRADUALLY INCREASE (to reduce the rate of descent and
forward speed)
7. Cyclic…………… FORWARD (to apply a slightly nose-up landing attitude (<10°)
8. Pedal…………….. ADJUST (to cancel any sideslip tendency)
9. Collective pitch…… INCREASE