MINR · Sikorsky/Orlando S-55 · 2000-09-18 · HOOVER DAM, AZ, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX00FA342
Event ID
20001212X21998
Type
Accident
Date
2000-09-18
Location
HOOVER DAM, AZ, USA
Coordinates
36.030448, -112.019241
Injuries
Highest injury
MINR
Fatal
0
Serious
0
Minor
7
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
7
Aircraft
Make
Sikorsky/Orlando
Model
S-55
Registration
N17754
FAR Part
135
Engines
1
Damage
SUBS
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
**This report was modified on 2/23/2016. Please refer to the public docket for this accident for more information.** The failure of Papillon maintenance personnel to recognize the significance of the increasing metal in the oil analysis test results and the illumination of the chip detector warning, the combination of which indicated internal engine wear that subsequently resulted in loss of engine drive to the rotor systems during flight. Contributing to the accident was National Flight Services' failure to properly torque the bull and sun gear retaining nut, which resulted in wear and the ultimate disengagement of the bull and sun gear.