Safety Topics: Loss of drive to tail rotor

Abstract

Following engine start on a Bell Jetranger helicopter, the pilot commented on a high frequency vibration which was apparent through the pedals. Once the aircraft had lifted into the hover, the vibration could no longer be detected and the helicopter departed Newmarket to return to Blackbushe. During the flight a short duration noise was made by the helicopter which was variously described by witnesses on the ground, as a ‘sharp crack’, ‘similar to a car gearbox breaking up’ and ‘stuttering like a car misfire’. After this, the helicopter began a gentle right turn to the north, towards the town of Crowthorne. The ground speed appeared to reduce to between 80 and 85 kt in this turn.

Citation

Mayday (1993), "Safety Topics: Loss of drive to tail rotor", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 65 No. 4, pp. 28-29. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb037370