Bell 47J N8568F accident near Franklin, Indiana

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot was conducting a test flight in conjunction with an annual inspection when the engine lost power about 50 ft above ground level, which resulted in a hard landing. The helicopter was destroyed by a postimpact fire. A witness reported a plume of smoke trailing the helicopter shortly before the accident. Before the day of the accident, the helicopter had not been flown for about 4 years. A postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation, although the engine examination was limited by the postimpact fire damage. Thus, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA269 for the full record.