S-76/S-76 Mark II
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Rotorcraft; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 220; Flight Crew Total 4100; Flight Crew Type 1800
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft; Procedure
S-76B with a recent history of brief power roll-backs on Engine 1. PIC (Part 135 Chief of Operations; boss of SIC) hover-taxis wheeled helicopter as per his personal procedure to determine if power reduction would occur. Passengers onboard. First flight of the day. Power reduction occurred; along with engine out lights and audio; slight yaw; change in engine and rotor noise. Within 2-4 seconds full power resumed. PIC landed and ground taxied aircraft to departure intersection. After a pause of about 10 seconds; PIC asked SIC's opinion. SIC expressed that with all his prior 12 years experience; and current personal opinion; indicated to abort the flight; shut down and summon Maintenance. PIC instructed SIC to obtain takeoff clearance to continue the flight. No further words came from PIC; other than perhaps 'gear up' or similar. No discussion of precautionary procedures upon departure; enroute; landing at heliport; departure from heliport or return to base. SIC later resigned from employment under this boss and explained to company CEO the professional and safety concerns of continued employment under this PIC/boss. Issued report verbally to company safety officer and FAA FSDO POI.
S-76B helicopter Second in Command (SIC) reported that the PIC; pilot flying; continued flight after experiencing brief engine power rollback in an aircraft that had a previous history of this problem. SIC advised against continuing the flight and later resigned rather than continue to fly with this PIC.