20030708015359I

(-23) On 7/08/03 at 17:00 hours, the West Palm Beach police department responded to a police call from the police ramp. As the helicopter departed northbound and crossing over the airport, the alt air door warning lights came on and the generator came off the line. As the pilot turned around back to the field all warning lights went off and the oil pressure/temp gauges also failed. The helicopter still had power and a smell of burning wire from the aft section of the engine was noticed. The aircraft made a safe landing and no emergency was declared. After the aircraft was shut down and inspected by the crew it was discovered that the engine exhaust port that is located at the right rear of the aircraft was missing. The aircraft experienced heat damage from the exhaust on the right side of the aircraft and inside the engine compartment. Wire harness were damaged due to the heat from the engine exhaust. It was also noticed that the band clamp that secured the exhaust extension with the engine exhaust manifold came loose allowing the engine exhaust extension to separate from the aircraft. The band clamp was still on the aircraft. A search was conducted by the p.b.p.d. for the exhaust and were unable to find it.