About 150-Ft AGL, The Pilot Heard A "Thump,” And The Helicopter Pitched Up

Location: Waukesha, WI Accident Number: CEN22LA258
Date & Time: June 18, 2022, 17:10 Local Registration: N226SA
Aircraft: Eurocopter Deutschland GMBH EC 135 P2+ Injuries: 4 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air taxi & commuter - Non-scheduled - Air Medical (Unspecified)

On June 18, 2022, about 1710 central standard time, an Eurocopter EC-135 P2+ helicopter, N226SA, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Waukesha, Wisconsin. The pilot and 3 passengers were not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 air medical flight.

According to the operator, the pilot received a flight request for an inter-facility transfer flight. The intended route of flight was from the aircraft's primary base at Waukesha County Airport (UES) to pick up a patient at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center and transport them to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. After departing from UES, about 150-ft AGL, the pilot heard a "thump,” and the helicopter pitched up. The pilot immediately executed an emergency landing, and all occupants exited the helicopter uninjured.

Initial examination of the helicopter revealed that the Fenestron retention cap of the tail rotor was missing. All parts were located and secured with the helicopter for further examinations.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov