A109 All Series
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 6500; Flight Crew Type 200
Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Aircraft; Human Factors
On a previous flight; I experienced an over torque; but considered it at the time to be 'within limits' and after helping to unload the critical patient; I neglected to check the displays upon shutdown. The crew was awakened for another flight. I rushed through my start sequence and apparently didn't notice or comprehend the Exceedance Alert on the first screen as I jumped to the AUX page to monitor battery voltage and amps during the start. It was only on the second start when I already had the crew and patient on board; that I noticed the exceedance. I quickly checked the values; (XMSN torque 109% for 1 second); determined them to be within limits (up to 107% for 6 second; 110% maximum) and elected to continue the flight and notify Maintenance upon completion of the flight. In hindsight; I let the self-imposed pressures of completing the mission cloud my judgment and I should have contacted Maintenance when I noticed the exceedance and sent the medical team and their patient on by other means; not flying the aircraft until it had been inspected and released by Maintenance. I might be able to rationalize the first time I missed the exceedance annunciation; but should have followed a different course of action once I recognized it.
A109 helicopter pilot experienced an over torque on engine start but did not notice the Exceedance Alert until the second start after a patient had already been loaded for transport. Pilot completed the mission; but later had second thoughts about flying without a maintenance inspection and release.