DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:  Helicopter flight was in cruise about 1,000 ft above ground level when the pilot felt an impact and a strong vibration. As he slowed the helicopter for landing, he noticed a “heavy mechanical sound and strong vibration.” The vibration worsened resulting in difficulty controlling the helicopter; he subsequently initiated an autorotation and deployed the helicopter’s floats. The helicopter touched down in a marshy area, and the pilot and passengers egressed.

NOTE:  This aircraft does NOT have a data plate

Date of Accident:  June 8, 2015

AIRCRAFT:  1999 Bell 407 Helicopter    N501PH   S/N: 53401   TT: 16,637.38

ENGINE:  Allison   Model:  240-C47B   S/N: 848272   TT: ~1,429.72   TSMOH: UNK

Date of Last Annual Inspection:  Ongoing inspection process, Last 50H A/F on 4/15/2015.  See Airframe Inpsection PDF Web File

EQUIPMENT: 

Bendix/King XPDR KT-76C

NAT AMS44

NAT AA21

Bendix King KY 196A TSO

SKY-497 TAS (BF Goodrich Skywatch Traffic Advisory System) integrated with Garmin GPS-420

Garmin GNC-420 GPS Receiver

Technisonic TFM-550

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGES: 

During the landing, the main rotor blades contacted the tail boom and one of the tail rotor blades, resulting in separation of the tail rotor gearbox (TRGB) support structure, which was subsequently located in the marsh.

LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT:    Air Salvage of Dallas, Lancaster, TX

SALVAGE MAY BE INSPECTED BY CONTACTING:  Jim Cohrs @ 770-570-7473

REMARKS:  *** This aircraft does NOT have a data tag.  Data Tag has been removed and destroyed.