20140521007809A

At approximately 1011 local time on may 21, 2014, N55SL a Bell 206 L4 (serial number 52347) was scheduled to operate as a news gathering flight in the watertown, MA area. The aircraft is under contract from helicopters inc and operates for a boston news media outlet. The helicopter was executing a departure from the kbvy (Beverly, MA) airport in visual meteorological conditions with winds reported as variable at five knots. No wind gusts were reported.

The pilot evaluated the weather and aircraft condition as well as airport NOTAMS. Airport NOTAMS contained no obstructions or other conditions that would have impeded takeoff. The decision was then made to initiate the flight.

The aircraft initiated the flight from the ramp adjacent to the FBO hangar (aircraft is based at the FBO) on the west side of kbvy. The helicopter was started and pre takeoff checks were accomplished. No engine anomalies were noted during pre takeoff. The pilot requested and was issued a present position takeoff clearance to cross overhead runway 9 and proceed south west toward boston with a restriction to remain west of taxiway foxtrot. The pilot planned to comply with the ATC issued clearance and began to lift the helicopter off of the trailer upon which it is normally parked. The pilot reported using 85% torque for takeoff. The resulting tot was 610 - 620 which was within normal temperature limits. The pilot determined the aircraft to be in a safe condition to continue the takeoff and began to execute his takeoff clearance. At some point during the initial climb out (pilot estimates 120 feet AGL) and while in an approximated 20 degree bank (approximately 50 knots airspeed) the aircraft engine ceased to develop power "suddenly and abruptly". No abnormal engine indications were reported by the pilot.

The pilot entered auto rotation at approximately 120 feet and began to evaluate the best location to execute a power off landing. The pilot elected to land the aircraft in the sod area adjacent to bravo taxiway. In an effort to avoid sloping and potentially hazardous terrain contained within the area described above, the pilot extended the aircraft glide by increasing collective pitch. The extension of the glide allowed the aircraft to clear the sloping terrain, but left the rotor system in a depleted energy state. The pilot attempted to utilize the remaining rotor energy to "cushion" the landing. The pilots actions resulted in the aircraft skids impacting the sod surface "heels first". The aircraft then rocked onto the "toes" of the skid and proceeded to slide an approximated distance of 25 to 30 feet. The aircraft skid then made contact with the asphalt taxiway surface causing the aircraft to turn 90 degrees about the vertical axis. At all times, the aircraft remained in an upright position.

At some point during the power off landing, the main rotor impacted the tail boom and severed the tail rotor system and a portion of the tail boom from the aircraft. The severed section of tail boom was found in close proximity to the intact portion of the fuselage.

The pilot and passenger (camera man) exited the aircraft via the left and right cockpit access hatches in what is described as a "normal fashion".

After on site investigation by boston FSDO inspectors, the aircraft was transported via trailer to jbi helicopters in pembroke, NH. Jbi is the contract maintenance provider for this particular aircraft.

Boston FSDO inspectors conducted site visits at jbi helicopters over the course of two days. Inspectors obtained copies of maintenance records and were also present during engine removal and packaging. The engine was shipped via ups ground to premier turbines (neosho, MO) for tear down. A chain of custody form was prepared to document this action.

At this point, the aircraft's engine is awaiting tear down at premier turbines. NTSB is attempting to schedule their representative to be present.