# NTSB ERA19LA145: Bell 222, N222ML, Montgomery, NY, March 30, 2019 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: March 30, 2019, 12:15 local (16:15 UTC) - Place: Montgomery, NY - Coordinates: 41.539443, -74.306945 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.5394&lon=-74.3069&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 5 uninjured - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 99237 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA19LA145 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/99237/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=99237 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA145 ## Probable cause A partial loss of engine power, as reported by the pilot, during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on available information. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Not determined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000): Not determined › Not determined · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Bell 222, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=1182122), [All aircraft, 2,247 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) (defining event); cases with it: [Bell 222, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=1182122), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md) ## Analysis The twin-engine helicopter was about 500 ft into the initial climb after takeoff from the pilot’s private property when he noticed a “split” in the #1 and #2 engine rpm needles, with the #1 engine rpm indicating below normal operating rpm, and the #2 engine rpm indicating above normal operating rpm. The pilot believed that this was believed that this was indicative of a loss of power on the #1 engine and returned to the property for a run-on landing. The helicopter touched down, encountered uneven ground, and rolled onto its left side, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. Postaccident examination of the airframe found both of the throttles near the idle position, and no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of any airframe components. Both engines and their respective power turbine governors were examined and successfully test run after the accident. During the examinations, the #2 engine’s P3 Ng speed sensor connector was found disconnected. According to the engine manufacturer, if the disconnection had occurred inflight, the cockpit indication of the engine speed for the #2 engine would have been zero. Given this information, and the pilot’s description that the #2 engine rpm was abnormally high, it is likely that the disconnection of the connector occurred as a result of the accident sequence and not during the flight. Based on these findings, the reason for the difference between the indications of the two engines that the pilot observed during the takeoff could not be determined. ## Factual narrative On March 30, 2019, about 1215 eastern daylight time, a Bell 222 helicopter, N222ML, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Montgomery, New York. The private pilot and four passengers were not injured, and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot stated he completed the preflight inspection by the checklist, boarded passengers, and started the engines. Prior to takeoff, all gauges were in the “normal range.” The pilot conducted the takeoff from a concrete pad on his property, and about 500 ft above ground level he noticed a “split” in the #1 (left) and #2 (right) engine rpm needle indications. The #1 engine rpm needle had decreased below normal operating rpm, and the #2 needle had “spiked” above the normal operating rpm. The pilot believed there was a loss of engine power on the #1 engine, and he initiated a sharp left turn to return to his property to perform a run-on landing to a short asphalt surface in front of a utility building. According to the pilot, a strong wind pushed the helicopter left, and the left landing gear touched down in the grass that bordered a short strip of gravel, which pulled the helicopter onto uneven ground. The helicopter came to a stop, then tipped over onto its left side and the main rotor impacted the ground. After it came to rest there was a small fire underneath the helicopter. All the occupants exited the helicopter, and the fire was extinguished. The helicopter was righted to prevent a fuel leak. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector traveled to the site and examined the helicopter. The rotor and transmission were separated and resting next to the helicopter. There was substantial damage to the nose and transmission pylon area, and fire damage to the upper portion of the fuselage aft of the number one engine. Postaccident examination found both of the throttles near the idle position. Continuity of the throttle was confirmed from the #2 engine twist grip to the respective fuel control. Continuity of the #1 throttle control could not be verified due to breaks in the linkages, though the twist grip and fuel control lever were both free to move. The airframe examination revealed no pre-impact anomalies. Both engines were removed, examined, and placed in test cells, where each ran satisfactorily. No anomalies were noted on either engine that would have precluded normal operation. During the examination, the #2 engine P3 Ng speed sensor connector was found disconnected. According to the engine manufacturer, a disconnected P3 connector could have caused the cockpit indication of the speed for the #2 engine to indicate 0 rpm. Additionally, the power turbine governors were functionally tested and exhibited no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The helicopter manufacturer performed one engine inoperative performance calculations based on the environmental andloading conditions of the helicopter at the time of the accident. Based on the calculations, the helicopter did not have the capability to hover in or out of ground effect, and that the flight manual advised pilots to perform a run-on landing under those conditions. The helicopter manufacturer also provided an explanation of how the helicopter’s configuration could result in the instrument indications similar to those that the pilot reported. The explanation stated that, “When the throttle for one engine on the twin engine Bell 222 is not in the fully governed range, then the affected engine will tend to droop at a lower Ng (N1) setting and not provide full engine power to the helicopter drive system. The helicopter will then in affect be flying in or near an OEI condition (One Engine Inoperative). Therefore, the pilot will see a split on the triple tachometer with the affected engine Np (N2) speed drooping and the unaffected engine Np (N2) speed stable at 100% Np. Depending on the conditions of flight (hover, landing, approach, maneuvering, cruise), outside temperature, and gross weight of the helicopter, the Nr (rotor rpm) might also droop. The remedy of having a drooping Nr would be to put the affected throttle back to the full on fully governed throttle position to regain N2 speed on the affected engine. If the pilot did not recognize the throttle was out of the governed region, a running landing to a suitable area should be performed. The engine run up checklist states the throttles should be rotated to FULL OPEN and verify Np at 97 to 100% during the engine runup and remain in that position until takeoff.” ## Aircraft - Registration: [N222ML](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N222ML-2020-05-11), registration cancelled 2020-05-11, S/N 47081, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Bell 222 (A) - Registry model: [Bell 222](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-222) (registry code 1182122) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming LTS-101 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-lts-101-series) (registry code 41560, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 47081 - Year built: 1982 - Airframe hours: 4671 - Engines: Honeywell LTS-101 SER 650 horsepower turbo shaft; Honeywell LTS-101 SER 650 horsepower turbo shaft - Damage: Substantial damage - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Transport - Last inspection: Annual, January 14, 2017 - Departed: Montgomery, NY - Destination: N45, Wallkill, NY - Equipment: Unknown ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 72; injuries: none; private; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review August 1, 2017; seat: right; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 1,000 total, 3 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 170° at 13 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 43 °F - Altimeter: 29.95 inHg - Observed at: MGJ, 3 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20190330002179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20190330002179A), Mar 30, 2019: Bell 222, Montgomery, NY, Substantial damage. On March 30, 2019 at approximately 1230 eastern daylight time the subject aircraft, was substantially damaged during a forced landing shortly after takeoff… ## Docket (12 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 26, 2022, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=99237. 22.2 MB in all. - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 7 pages, 3.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=11680248&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=NTSB%20Form%206120.1_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Pilot statement to police (item 2, PDF, 1 page, 532 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=11680382&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=State%20police%20pilot%20statment_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Checklist excerpts (item 3, PDF, 4 pages, 391 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=11679068&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Page%2010_13%20Engine%20EP%20Excerpt%20from%20222-FM-01-S03-Rel.pdf - Maintenance records (item 4, PDF, 12 pages, 5.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=11679906&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Maintenance%20Records_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Mor- bell oei performance (item 5, PDF, 1 page, 76 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=11689605&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%20Bell%20OEI%20Performance-Rel.pdf - Honeywell engine exam report (item 6, PDF, 87 pages, 6.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=11679715&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Montgomery%20NY%20-%20B222%20-%20Engine%20Run%20Report-Rel.pdf - Airframe examination (item 7, PDF, 5 pages, 551 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13972453&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Airframe%20Examination%20Notes-Rel.pdf - Power turbine governors examination report (item 8, PDF, 43 pages, 2.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=11687086&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Power%20Turbine%20Governor%20Report-Rel.pdf - Memorandum for record - correspondence with bell flight safety (item 9, PDF, 1 page, 73 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14205514&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Bell%20Memo-Rel.pdf - Statement of party representatives to NTSB investigation (item 10, PDF, 15 pages, 398 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13977991&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=NTSB%20Party%20Form%20(Eller)_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Photos (item 11, PDF, 3 pages, 2.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=11680678&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Photo%20Array-Rel.pdf - Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 12, PDF, 1 page, 325 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=10087976&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Signed%20Release_Redacted-Rel.pdf From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.