Investigation number
198800124
Occurrence date
Location
200 km E Newman
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence category
Accident
Highest injury level
Minor

The aircraft was cruising at 2000 feet above mean sea level, when the pilot observed an apparent engine failure. The pilot set the aircraft up for an autorotational approach. As the aircraft approached the ground, the pilot observed that the surface was not suitable for a run-on landing so he modified the approach, just prior to touchdown, so that the aircraft would land with zero residual forward speed. The touch-down was heavier than normal and the main rotor severed the tail boom. After landing the pilot observed that the engine was still running, but at a speed well below ground idle, and it had to be shut down manually. The engine lost power because the body of the power turbine governor failed as a result of high cycle, low stress fatigue cracking. The precise reason for the start of the fatigue crack could not be determined. However, it is likely that it was caused by the additional stress placed on the governor body when the vibration of an unrestrained servo pressure accumulator was transmitted to the body by the rigid stainless steel piping. The stress may have been aggravated by contact between the accumulator and an undetermined part of the aircraft.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Bell Helicopter Co
Model
206
Registration
VH-FHX
Serial number
2822
Operation type
Aerial Work
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
Newman WA
Departure time
0847
Destination
Newman WA
Damage
Substantial