Tail Rotor Failure Leads to EMS Helo Emergency Landing

A complete loss of tail rotor control prompted an emergency landing of an aeromedical Airbus Helicopters BK117C1 in a grass field next to a driveway near Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, on May 19, according to an NTSB preliminary report. The three occupants sustained minor injuries, while the helicopter was substantially damaged. Local news reports and videos show a mostly intact craft taped off in front of a home.

Registered as N117NC and operated under Part 135 by Triple M Leasing, the aircraft had completed a patient transport mission and was returning from Penn Presbyterian Medical Center North Heliport (PA39) to its home base at Wings Field Airport (KLOM). Weather at the time was clear with 10 miles of visibility and wind from 300 degrees at seven knots.

While cruising at 1,300 feet msl and 120 knots, the pilot reported that the helicopter began shuddering violently approximately 3 to 4 nm south of its destination. The pilot reported “a total loss of tail rotor control, including the loss of pedal authority and tail rotor thrust.” According to the NTSB, “there were no visual or aural warnings prior to the event.”

The pilot lowered the collective and initiated an autorotation. He identified a suitable forced landing site and brought the helicopter down after a 180-degree rotation.