MBB-BK 117 All Series
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
General None Reported / Taken
Weather; Procedure; Human Factors; Company Policy
While performing a maintenance flight on the ramp; a mast moment exceedance occurred. Aircraft was light on the skids and in a nose high attitude. Company aircraft was landing approximately 75 feet left of our aircraft. I momentarily glanced at the company aircraft and the warning 'gong' sounded. I glanced at the VEMD and immediately lowered the nose of the aircraft. Upon shutdown; the flight report showed an exceedance of the mast moment. I have performed this check many times before with no exceedances occurring. The fact that I went outside the cockpit for an instant was a major contributor to the situation. Another contributing factor was a slight (<10 knots) tailwind. At the time the check was being performed; there were five mechanics on board; close to full fuel; and additional weight to increase the gross weight of the aircraft. If the procedure could be performed in a hover; the risk of mast moment exceedance would be eliminated. Another alternative could be; tie the aircraft down when conducting this check.
In an apparent mast moment indicator check; a BK117 pilot was distracted by another helicopter landing nearby and momentarily exceeded the mast moment limit.