Accident · 2010-01-17
What the record says
- Event date
- 2010-01-17
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury level
- No injuries
- Aircraft
- EUROCOPTER AS350 B3 (N904CF)
- Operating rule
- Part 91
- Operator
- Air Methods Corp. Operator named in NTSB report
- Operated by (per NTSB report)
- Air Methods
Probable cause
The improper installation of the engine-to-main gear box flex coupling, which resulted in the failure of the flex coupling and a loss of power to the rotor system during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the mechanic who removed the engine's failure to follow the operator’s maintenance procedures. Also contributing was the Quality Assurance inspector's failure to follow the operator’s post-maintenance inspection requirements.
Source: NTSB case WPR10FA112Flight 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 | Commercial | Helicopter | 61 | Class 1 (2009-10-14) | 14,300 total · 9,544 in this make/model · 13,700 as PIC · 46 last 90 days |
Facts as the NTSB records them — GroundCheck adds no judgement. Preliminary records may be revised as the investigation proceeds.