No Metal Fragments Found On Magnetic Chip Detector 

The NTSB on Thursday held its final on-site media briefing associated with an accident Tuesday in which a Bell 206 went down in the East River in New York City, fatally injuring one passenger. Four others, including the pilot, survived the accident.

NTSB Member Mark Rosekind (L), Lead Investigator Ralph Hicks

NTSB member Mark Rosekind said that the magnetic chip detector had been removed from the engine and examined, and that no metal chips were found on the MCD during that inspection. "The combination that there was no engine cage rupture, and the absence of the iron chips, is a good indication that there was no engine failure at the time of the accident," Rosekind said. However, "(w)e are not ruling anything out at this point."

He also said there were no contaminants found in the oil, and there were no obstructions in the oil system. The fuel is still being analyzed.

Rosekind said investigators are still working to determine the operating weight of the aircraft at the time of the accident. Investigators weighed the empty aircraft, but have also requested documentaion showing the aircraft empty weight as equipped, as well as continuing to search for the missing portion of the main rotor blade. On Friday, the engine was removed from the airframe and shipped to an overhaul facility where it will be torn down and inspected.

Investigators conducted a second interview with pilot Paul Dudley, which lasted over three hours. Rosekind said that Dudley is cooperating fully with the investigators. Questions for Dudley included flying experience, flight time, training, and BFRs. They also asked specifically about the flight, whether he performed a safety briefing, and completed his weight and balance calculations. Other questions include the weather, and his actions during the accident sequence.

Rosekind did confirm that Dudley holds a current medical certificate, a commercial pilot certificate with a rotorcraft rating, and single- and multi-engine land airplane ratings.

Rosekind said the NTSB's preliminary report is due in five business days. Taking  the Columbus Day holiday on Monday into account, the prelim should be available on October 12.

The briefing was posted to YouTube by the NTSB.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov