1 fatal · Eurocopter MBB-BK117-B2 · 1997-04-15 · NEW YORK, NY, USA
Event
NTSB number
NYC97FA076
Event ID
20001208X07806
Type
Accident
Date
1997-04-15
Location
NEW YORK, NY, USA
Coordinates
40.759021, -73.969497
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
1
Serious
2
Minor
1
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
4
Aircraft
Make
Eurocopter
Model
MBB-BK117-B2
Registration
N909CP
FAR Part
091
Engines
2
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
Fatigue failure of the vertical fin, accelerated by the installation of blind rivets in lieu of solid rivets in the replacement of the yaw SAS mount support, which resulted in the loss of helicopter directional control and collision with the terrain (water). Factors contributing to the accident were: a lack of information regarding repair of the yaw SAS mount support in the manufacturer's maintenance manuals, and the design of the vertical fin which was susceptible to fatigue cracking. An additional factor was the lack of an adequate passenger briefing.