EMS Bell Helicopter Experienced Hard Landing

December 25, 2009

EMS Bell Helicopter Experienced Hard Landing

On December 25, 2009, about 1258 central standard time, a Bell 407 helicopter, N600CE, was substantially damaged during a hard landing following a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the Wise Regional Health System Helipad (XA57), in Decatur, Texas. The commercial pilot and flight medic sustained serious injuries while the flight nurse sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Air Evac EMS Inc., of North Plains, Missouri. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a company flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 positioning flight. The cross-country flight was departing for Wichita Falls, Texas, to pick up a patient.

According to the pilot, after takeoff and while approximately 100 feet in the air, the single-engine helicopter experienced a complete loss of engine power. The pilot performed an autorotation back to the originating helipad. The helicopter experienced a hard landing before coming to rest in an upright position.

FAA INSPECTION

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that responded to the accident site, the helicopter’s lower fuselage sustained structural damage.

The helicopter, which was manufactured by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, was recovered to secure storage for further examination.