AO-2001-009

On Tuesday, 11 September 2001, at about 1130, ZK-HWI, a Bell Jetranger 206B II helicopter took off normally for a chemical spraying flight. On board the helicopter were an instructor pilot and a trainee who was the pilot flying the helicopter. Shortly after take-off, when the helicopter was climbing away, the drive to the engine power turbine tachometer generator failed, causing the power turbine gauge indication to decrease. The instructor pilot, believing the helicopter was losing power, immediately took control of the helicopter and instinctively lowered the collective lever. The helicopter descended and impacted the ground heavily with some forward speed, before lofting back into the air and again descending to the ground. The helicopter was extensively damaged. The 2 pilots were uninjured.

A safety issue identified was the need for the helicopter maintenance company, in conjunction with operators it provides services for, to establish a robust system that ensures any additional maintenance due is recorded correctly, so additional maintenance is completed fully at the earliest opportunity.