20021003028219A

(.19) On October 3, 2002, at 1715 pacific daylight time, a Mcdonnell Douglas 600N, N625SB, experienced a loss of engine power and crashed after departure from a helipad south of runway 24 in a residential area about 3/4 mile south of the Rialto municipal (Miro field) airport (L67), Rialto, California. The san bernardino county sheriff's department owned and operated the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR part 91 as a public-use flight. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The commercial rotorcraft rated pilot and the observer, a private helicopter pilot, were seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the evening sheriff's swing shift patrol. A company visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan had been filed. The accident site was situated at a t-intersection of a residential area. The main wreckage area distribution, including helicopter debris, tree strikes, and ground impressions, were contained in an area approximately 80 feet in diameter. The left skid and about 4 feet of the tail section remained at the first identified point of impact (ipi). The helicopter came to rest about 20 feet from the ipi. Witnesses in the surrounding area observed the helicopter traveling in a southerly direction when it made a descending turn to the north. The helicopter maneuvered around a house and descended through a tree prior to impacting the ground in a left nose and left skid low attitude. Witnesses indicated that the left landing gear and tail section separated from the helicopter after contacting the ground. The helicopter spun around on it's left side and came to rest facing in a southerly direction.a compilation of witnesses stated that the helicopter was "slow." Witnesses further stated that the engine was "very loud" and "revving." Witness stated they could not unlatch the harness restraints/lap belts that both sheriff's officers were wearing. The witnesses cut the webbing to get the officers out. (-23) on October 3, 2002, at 1715 pacific daylight time, a MD 600N, N625SB, experienced a loss of engine power and crashed after departure from a helipad south of runway 24 in a residential area south of the Rialto municipal airport (L67). Aircraft had recently emerged from a 100/300 hour inspection. The helicopter had recently successfully completed an operational check f light iaw FAR 91.407. The check flight was accomplished by a supervisor and consisted of a brief flight of approximately 10 minutes with no known discrepancies. The flight crew flying during the accident then was dispatched to perform a more detailed operational check and experienced the problem about one and a half minutes into the flight. The crew of two suffered serious injuries and the aircraft was destroyed. Subsequent investigation by manufacturers and the NTSB have failed to provide a probable cause of the accident. The investigation is continuing.