Probable cause
A total loss of engine power due to insufficient lubrication to the engine's No. 2 bearing, which resulted in the failure of the bearing and a subsequent forced landing.
NTSB analysis
About 20 minutes into a flight, the helicopter's engine experienced a total loss of power while at an altitude of about 300 ft above ground level. The pilot then entered an autorotative descent, and during the landing attempt, the helicopter impacted an area of shallow water near a beach and the fuselage was substantially damaged.
Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 2 bearing had failed most likely as the result of a reduction in oil flow to the bearing. Examination of the tube that fed oil to the bearing revealed that it was unremarkable; however, its design had been superseded with an improved design for new helicopters several months before the accident. The newly designed tube was implemented to "decrease the bearing temperature and improve the bearing performance."
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15LA280 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 24, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Vega Baja, Puerto Rico
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Md Helicopter Inc 369FF
- N-number
- N5842Z
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1999
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.