White City, OR, USA
N617CK
SIKORSKY S-61N
On September 01, 2022, about 0735 Pacific daylight time, a Sikorsky S-61N helicopter, N617CK, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident in White City, Oregon. The two commercial pilots and a ground support team member sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 133 rotorcraft external load flight. Company personnel reported that during a timber logging operations flight, a pedal turn to the right was accomplished while departing the log landing site. Shortly after the right turn, they heard a loud “bang” sound. They assessed the instrument panel and confirmed that all systems were within normal operating limits. The flight instruments did not indicate that an anomaly existed, and the pilot-in-command (PIC) elected to continue the logging operation. Two additional sorties were accomplished, and the “bang” sound occurred again. Subsequently, a precautionary landing was accomplished to troubleshoot the abnormal sound, with the assistance of maintenance personnel. A definitive source of the “bang” sound was not identified by the maintenance personnel, and a decision was made by the PIC, to continue the operation. While departing the log landing site, a right pedal turn was accomplished, and a subsequent “bang” ensued. However, this iteration presented several immediate and successive “bangs” followed by a grinding noise and a degradation of the #2 engine torque value to zero. The Master Caution warning light illuminated, and the helicopter descended to the ground, landing hard on the main landing gear. The helicopter rolled to the right and came to rest on its right side. The helicopter was recovered and transported to a facility for further examination. Figure 1: View of the helicopter at rest on its right side
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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