Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 N435PH incident near Gulf Of Mexico

Probable cause

The failure of the compressor section No. 2 bearing due to false brinnelling and fatigue.

NTSB analysis

While maneuvering for a precautionary landing to an oil rig platform because of a chip light indication, the helicopter's engine lost power. The pilot entered an autorotation, called mayday, inflated the helicopter’s floats, and performed a successful water landing. The pilot and passenger were able to exit the helicopter unassisted into a life raft and were picked up within 10 minutes. Examination and disassembly of the engine revealed the No. 2 bearing had failed. Metallurgical examination of the bearing showed the No. 2 bearing outer ring cracked in fatigue due to false brinnelling, which occurs in cases where the bearing is stationary but is subjected to ambient vibration or shock during transport. A spalling area was severe enough to propagate mechanical stress in the outer ring causing the ring to fracture. The engine compressor section was overhauled 2.7 hours before the failure.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12IA096 for the full record.