SAIB SW-05-73 —

SW-05-73 July 15, 2005 http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/ This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin alerts you, owners and operators of Eurocopter Deutchland GmbH (ECD) Model MBB-BK 117 helicopters, that they could experience a departure of a sliding door, which could contact the main or tail rotor blades.

Background

There have been two events, one accident and one incident, in which the sliding door departed the aircraft and contacted the main rotor blades. Both of the helicopters were involved in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) operations. The first event occurred after the pilot observed that the door open warning light was illuminated. Shortly thereafter, the left hand sliding door departed the aircraft. The aircraft was diverted to a suitable landing site and landed without further incident.

Post flight inspection revealed that the door had contacted all four main rotor blades, causing slight damage to the leading edges and to the trailing edge of one tail rotor blade. Also, the anti-collision light was missing. The most recent event occurred during final approach to the planned landing site. The sliding door had been opened for immediate removal of the EMS patient. The door departed the aircraft and contacted the main rotor blades. There were no injuries, but we received reports of substantial damage.

Recommendations

Both events occurred during flight with either the door not securely latched or with the door open. Until we have more information and can determine appropriate corrective action, we highly recommend that you check the door for security before each flight and that there should be no flight at any airspeed with the sliding door in the open position.

For Further Information Contact

Sharon Miles, FAA Rotorcraft Directorate, ASW-111 Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Fort Worth, TX 76193-0110; phone: (817) 222- 5112; fax: (817) 222-5961; email: [email protected].