Estimated reading time 4 minutes, 14 seconds.
A Robinson R22 helicopter pilot had to conduct a forced landing after a sudden loss of engine power due to damage to an engine cylinder intake valve, an Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation has found.
On Feb. 11, 2022, R22 VH-VHE was being used to conduct mustering operations south-west of Mitchell, in Queensland’s central south.
“During the second mustering flight of the day, the pilot reported hearing a pop and a crack, and experiencing significant uncommanded yaw, and abnormal vibration, resulting in a forced landing,” ATSB Director Transport Safety Stuart Macleod said.
Examination of the engine by a maintenance organisation, and further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra, confirmed that damage to the engine’s number-four cylinder intake valve had allowed the fuel and air mixture, and exhaust gases, into the air induction system.
“This resulted in the degraded engine performance and forced landing of the helicopter,” Mr Macleod said.
Notably, prior to the incident, neither the pilot nor the maintenance organisation observed any indications of the progressing damage to the intake valve, including during a successful compression test 17.6 flight hours prior to the incident.
“While not required, a borescope inspection may increase the likelihood of detecting valve damage that can lead to degraded engine performance,” Mr Macleod noted.
VH-VHE’s engine had been overhauled in August 2021 – six months prior to the incident – and the pilot stated that the engine seemed underpowered following the overhaul.
“In piston engine helicopters, unexpected yaw and reduced engine performance may be symptomatic of developing engine intake valve damage,” Mr Macleod said.
“If this condition remains unattended, it can lead to an increased risk of induction backfire events and significant loss of engine power.”
Mr Macleod added there is an opportunity to improve understanding of engine issues with better quality data.
“Maintenance organisations are therefore encouraged to follow the Civil Aviation Safety Authority recommendation for borescope inspections of valves and report any defects, or nil-defect findings.”
The ATSB’s report also notes that, for reasons that could not be determined, the tail rotor drive shaft fractured as a result of torsional overstress during the incident.
In addition, an unapproved modification was present on the leading edge of the tail rotor blades, although this probably had no influence on the occurrence.
Read the final report: Engine power loss and forced landing involving Robinson R22 Beta, VH-VHE 130 km south-west of Mitchell, Queensland on 11 January 2022
This press release was prepared and distributed by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
Airbus EC120B Make an offer Year: 2008
Bell 429 Contact seller for price Year: 2017
Airbus AS350B3e Contact seller for price Year: 2012
Leonardo AW109SP Contact seller for price Year: 2013
Airbus EC225LP USD $ 8,950,000 Year: 2012
Airbus EC120B Contact seller for price Year: 2002
Bell 212HP Contact seller for price Year: 1980
Six things to know about China’s plan to certify and begin eVTOL operations
The Civil Aviation Administration of China provided us with exclusive comments on the country’s burgeoning eVTOL industry.
Col. Nathan Diller on the Agility Prime program and the future of vertical lift
Director of AFWERX Col. Nathan Diller shares his thoughts on the future of vertical lift as he gets ready to retire at the end of the year.
NASA: Public awareness, acceptance of AAM is a big challenge
During the 2022 Vertical Aviation Safety Team (VAST) conference, community acceptance of eVTOL operations became a topic of discussion.
Archer takes a ‘conservative approach’ to performance specs for Midnight eVTOL aircraft
During the AIRTAXI World Congress, Archer’s Tom Muniz tells us about the key performance metrics for its Midnight eVTOL aircraft.
Notice a spelling mistake or typo?
Click on the button below to send an email to our team and we will get to it as soon as possible.
Have a story idea you would like to suggest?
Click on the button below to send an email to our team and we will get to it as soon as possible.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
500 Trillium Dr., Unit 23, Kitchener, ON N2R 1E5 | Phone: 519-748-1591 | Toll-Free: 1-866-834-1114 | Fax: 519-748-2537 Vertical and Vertical Valor are part of MHM Publishing Inc. © All Rights Reserved 2022 | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy