2 fatal · Eurocopter France EC120B · 2005-07-14 · Fair Oaks, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX05GA231
Event ID
20050718X01046
Type
Accident
Date
2005-07-14
Location
Fair Oaks, CA, USA
Coordinates
38.639167, -121.220558
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
2
Serious
1
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
3
Aircraft
Make
Eurocopter France
Model
EC120B
Registration
N266SD
FAR Part
PUBU
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The failure of the constant delta P diaphragm in the fuel control unit, which resulted in an increased fuel flow and subsequent catastrophic failure of the engine. The diaphragm's failure was the result of improper installation by the engine manufacturer. A factor in the accident was the unsuitable nature of the terrain for a successful autorotation.