National Transportation Safety Board
Office of Public Affairs
In its continuing investigation of the January 4, 2009, fatal accident involving a Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopter, operated by PHI, Inc., that crashed in a swamp near Morgan City, Louisiana (NTSB Accident Number CEN09MA117), the National Transportation Safety Board has developed the following factual information:
A detailed examination of the wreckage and components has not revealed any evidence of pre-impact engine, transmission, hydraulic servo, or systems failures.
Additionally, no evidence of a midair collision, or in- flight rotorblade failure was found. An adequate amount of fuel was on board the helicopter at the time of the accident. No evidence of fuel starvation, a bird strike or electrical arcing has been found.
Data from the Penny & Giles combination flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) were analyzed at the NTSB's Recorders Laboratory with download assistance from the manufacturer's facility in England, and the US Army Safety Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama. Both recorders captured the accident flight.
Analysis of FDR data indicates that the helicopter was cruising at 138 knots, at an altitude of about 700 feet above the ground. The CVR indicates a loud noise followed by a substantial increase in the background noise level that was recorded on both intercom microphones and area microphone. About one second after the loud noise, the torque of both engines drops simultaneously to near zero.
The engine and rotor parameters recorded by the FDR and recorded sounds from the CVR show a simultaneous drop in RPMs over the next several seconds. The airspeed decreased slightly for the next 10 seconds while the helicopter descended. The engine continued to operate at low power levels until the end of the recorded data.
The non-volatile memory (NVM) from the engines' digital engine control units was successfully downloaded, and no faults were recorded. Additionally, NVM from the enhanced ground proximity warning system was successfully downloaded, and was consistent with DFDR data.
All three main rotor hydraulic servos and the tail rotor
servo were found in good condition with no external leakage
or damage. Functional tests and tear downs revealed no
problems. Hydraulic reservoirs were full and no leakage was
found.
The main rotor transmission had no external damage and the
rotor shafts were free to rotate. The transmission case was
opened and all internal components appeared normal with no
damage.
The engines were examined. They showed evidence of having
been producing power at impact. No anomalies were noted
that would have prevented normal operation.
Portions of the windscreen and composite center post have been recovered and sent to the NTSB laboratory in Washington, DC for further examination and analysis of the composite structure and windscreen.
Parties to the investigation include the FAA, PHI, Turbomecca, and Sikorsky.
NTSB Office of Public Affairs: (202) 314-6100
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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency charged with determining the probable cause
of transportation accidents, promoting transportation safety, and assisting victims of transportation accidents and their families.