MESSERSCHMITT-BOLKOW-BLOHM BK 117 B-2
Carbondale, IL — November 13, 2011
Event Information
| Date | November 13, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN12CA078 |
| Event ID | 20111123X02155 |
| Location | Carbondale, IL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 37.72694, -89.22111 |
| Airport | Memorial Hospital of Carbondal |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | MESSERSCHMITT-BOLKOW-BLOHM |
| Model | BK 117 B-2 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 135 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | NITE |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The main rotor blade’s contact with the vertical stabilizer during the engine shutdown in strong, gusty wind conditions.
Full Narrative
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.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.