HALO-Flight, Inc. - Non-injury incident

Date: 20 Sept 2007 1900 c

Program: HALO-Flight, Inc.
	315 Pinson Dr.
	Corpus Christi, Tx

Type: B-407
Tail #: N101HF

Weather: Clear. Not a factor

Team: Pilot, flight nurse, and flight paramedic. No injuries reported. No patient. 

Description: 
	Upon the return flight from a local hospital to home base a Bell 407
	with only the pilot and medical crew onboard experienced the
	illumination of the ?Transmission Oil Pressure? warning light.  The
	pilot reacted by alerting the crew of the indication, crosschecking
	the oil pressure and temperature gauge for secondary indications of a
	failure, then notified the airfield tower (class C airspace) of his
	intentions to execute a precautionary landing in an open field.  The
	approach, landing and shutdown were completed without further
	incident.  Once safely on the ground, the pilot contacted the base
	dispatcher to explain the situation, then the maintenance director to
	discuss recovery options of the aircraft to base.  The decision to fly
	the aircraft back to base (a 3 minute flight) was based on the fact
	that the transmission oil pressure and temperature remained in normal
	ranges throughout the episode.  As a precaution the medical crew was
	provided with ground transportation back to base, only the pilot was
	in the aircraft during the maintenance flight back to base.  Upon
	startup the transmission oil pressure light was no longer illuminated
	and the transmission oil pressure and temperature were in the normal
	ranges, the pilot made an uneventful flight to return the aircraft to
	base.  Upon return the maintenance director found a chaffed wire
	causing the faulty indication, the wire was repaired, tested, and the
	aircraft returned to service.  This event was handled in accordance
	with all company, manufacturer and FAA guidelines by the pilot and
	highlighted areas available for improvement.

Source: Curt Snodgrass  - Safety Director 

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contact the CONCERN Coordinator, David Kearns at 800 525 3712 or email:
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Copyright 2007 ASTNA