Allison Giron
·4 min read
LAS VEGAS, N.M.(KRQE) –The National Transportation Safety Board has released the final report detailing what caused the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office “Metro 2” helicopter to crash. The crash happened on July 16, 2022, and killed all four crew members, in Chapelle near Las Vegas, New Mexico.
According to NTSB, the probable cause of the accident was “due to poor maintenance.” The report states that the starter-generator input gear failed due to fatigue. The failure then led to the “starter-generator driveshaft shearing, accessory gearbox seizure, and a total loss of engine power.”
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According to the report, about 17 flight hours before the accident, an engine chip event occurred and a small piece of ferrous metal was found on the magnetic chip plug. The oil system was then drained and flushed and the filter elements were removed, cleaned, and reinstalled. The chip and oil sample were shipped to a lab for analysis. However, the results of the lab analysis were not used by BCSO to troubleshoot the reason for the chip event. According to NTSB, “had the operator conducted an analysis, they could have potentially identified the deteriorating component and impending failure.”
The report also states that unsuccessful autorotation by the setting sun and high-density altitude contributed to the accident.
BCSO has responded to the report. The current Sheriff John Allen said that before this final report, BCSO grounded the air unit in 2023 to revamp policies. The sheriff said they’ve since put in new, increased safety measures including adding another pilot and mechanic.
The Metro 2 helicopter was assisting fire crews with the East Mesa Fire. The crash killed BCSO Undersheriff Larry Koren, Lt. Fred Beers, Deputy Michael Levison, and Bernalillo County Fire Department Rescue Specialist Matthew King.
Timeline leading up to the crash below:
10:56 am – Launch Double Eagle Airport for PR event at Valle Del Oso on 2nd St.
11:12 am – Arrive to Valle Del Oso
12:48 pm – Depart Valle Del Oso to retrieve kayaks left on the Rio Grande river from the previous day near Rio Grande Blvd. and Chamisal Rd.
1:18 pm – Arrive to Double Eagle Airport
1:48 pm – Depart from Double Eagle Airport for East Mesa Fire to assist with bucket drops and short haul
2:50 pm – Arrive on the scene for East Mesa Fire and set up bucket for bucket drops
3:05 pm – Launch from initial scene and performed approximately 20 bucket drops before next landing
4:19 pm – Arrive to Las Vegas Airport to refuel
4:32 pm – Depart from Las Vegas Airport to perform more bucket drops
6:22 pm – Arrive to Las Vegas Airport to refuel; mission at East Mesa Fire complete for the day
6:36 pm – Depart from Las Vegas to return back to Double Eagle
7:18 pm – Last known location just south of Las Vegas, New Mexico
Wednesday evening BCSO sent this statement:
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office has received the final investigative report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding the Metro 2 helicopter crash on July 16, 2022. This devastating event resulted in the loss of four invaluable lives, deeply impacting our team and our community.
When Sheriff John Allen assumed office in January 2023, he recognized the potential for the NTSB report to suggest that improvements were needed in the operation of the Metro Air Support Unit (MASU). In response and noting the previous administration’s rapid and premature reinstatement of MASU just months after the tragedy, Sheriff Allen immediately grounded the unit. He initiated a comprehensive review and overhaul of all operational procedures to enhance safety and effectiveness, including revamping and creating new standard operating guidelines and acquiring a new aircraft that meets the highest safety standards.
Throughout his first year, Sheriff Allen, in collaboration with MASU members and Bernalillo County Fire Rescue, conducted a detailed evaluation of all protocols and procedures in accordance with industry standards. This comprehensive year-long review was crucial before the confident relaunch of MASU in December 2023, now supported by increased safety measures, including adding an extra pilot and mechanic.
“In light of the NTSB’s findings, it is clear that our decision to pause and thoroughly overhaul MASU was not only necessary but critical,” stated Sheriff Allen. “We have taken every possible step to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again. We owe it to our community and to the families of Pilot Undersheriff Larry Koren, Lieutenant Fred Beers, Deputy Micheal Levison, and BCFR Rescue Specialist Captain Matthew King to uphold the highest standards of safety and service. We will honor their memory with our actions.”
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