Accident · 2009-12-16
What the record says
- Event date
- 2009-12-16
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury level
- Serious injury
- Aircraft
- EUROCOPTER AS350BA (FX2) (N87EW)
- Operating rule
- Part 91
- Operator
- Sunshine Helicopters, Inc. Operator named in NTSB report
- Operated by (per NTSB report)
- SUNSHINE HELICOPTERS INC
Probable cause
An uncommanded engine shutdown due to an improperly calibrated fuel control unit (FCU) and power turbine governor (PTG). Also causal was the operator’s inadequate maintenance practices and procedures that failed to properly assess and correct the FCU and PTG irregularities/deficiencies. Contributing to the accident was the Federal Aviation Administration inspector’s selection of an area for the simulated engine failure that offered limited choices for a full-touchdown autorotation.
Source: NTSB case WPR10FA085Flight crew
Certification and experience as recorded in the NTSB accident database for this event. The NTSB records these facts about the crew's flying history; GroundCheck shows them as filed, without names or identities.
| Role | Certificate | Instrument rating | Age | Medical | Flight hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot | Flight instructor / Commercial | Helicopter | 42 | Class 2 (2009-03-21) | 4,458 total · 662 in this make/model · 4,100 as PIC · 172 last 90 days |
| Check pilot | Airline transport pilot / Flight instructor | Airplane / Helicopter | 51 | Class 2 (2009-12-04) | 10,800 total |
Facts as the NTSB records them — GroundCheck adds no judgement. Preliminary records may be revised as the investigation proceeds.