Ops-Normal.org

Operators of Bell 505 helicopters are being ordered urgently to inspect collective sticks on the type for cracks, after an incident in which the assembly fractured on an aircraft during pre-flight checks.

Collective sticks are mounted to the left of each pilot’s seat and control the pitch of the helicopter’s twin main rotor blades to generate lift.

Transport Canada has issued an emergency directive mandating a visual check on the stick as well as an inspection using a fluorescent penetrant to detect possible cracking, in line with a Bell service bulletin.

These inspections must be conducted before any further flights with the type, and the stick replaced if any problems are found.

“The exact cause of the failure is still under investigation,” says the regulator, referring to the incident which triggered the action.

The stick and grip assembly fractured above the cabin floor at a junction with the collective jackshaft, it adds, before engine-start as the pilot was checking flight controls for travel.

Transport Canada says there is a “potential for similar failure” on other 505s. It says the directive covers models of the helicopter from serial number 65011 upwards.

Known as the Jet Ranger X, the five-seat helicopter was unveiled in 2013. It underwent a rapid development, with a 20-month span from concept to first flight, says the manufacturer.

Transport Canada certified the helicopter in December 2016, followed by the US FAA in June 2017 and European Union Aviation Safety Agency in November 2017.

FD2 wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 22, 2021 10:39 pm

........C16 - wasn't there another incident in Oman with a disconnected collective? In JS's case the torque didn't wind down altogether, if remaining memory cell is correct?

One thing that was a bit odd for me was the collective, which had a cork-wrapped area that looked like a throttle — but wasn’t. In fact, there is no mechanical “twist grip” throttle. On the right side of the module at the top of the collective is a two-position toggle switch that selects either “Idle” or “Fly.” That’s all you get.

CharlieOneSix wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 23, 2021 9:05 am

Not quite, TGG. From the Bell specification the empty weight of the base aircraft is 2180 lbs. Hook limit is 1500 lbs. With a max gross weight(external) of 4475 lbs and assuming max load on the hook you have 795 lbs disposable left for the pilot and fuel.

Assuming that the fuel capacity stated is in USG then 84.85USG ofJet A-1 at 15C yields 569 lbs of fuel. Add in a pilot at 180lbs and you have 1 lb of disposable load left!

TheGreenGoblin wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 23, 2021 9:15 am

That'll learn me not to do me sums properly...

Add me in at 230 lbs and...

(6) A passenger must not be carried in a helicopter at any time when an article, person or animal is suspended from the helicopter, other than—

(a)a passenger who has duties to perform in connection with the article, person or animal;

(b)a passenger who has been picked up or raised by means external to the helicopter; or

(c)a passenger who it is intended will be lowered to the surface by means external to the helicopter.

(7) Nothing in this article—

(b)prohibits the picking up or raising of any person, animal or article in an emergency or for the purpose of saving life;

CharlieOneSix wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 23, 2021 9:43 am

Don't know about elsewhere but in the UK civvie world you are not permitted to carry anyone other than crew whilst doing external load operations.