Air Life of Oregon - Non-injury incident

Date: 6-20-2008 1354 PST

Program: Air Life of Oregon
	2500 NE Neff Road
	Bend, OR 97701

Type: Eurocopter BK-117 B2
Tail #: N955ME
Operator/Vendor: Metro Aviation

Weather: gusty, turbulent conditions with localized rain showers in the area

Team: Pilot, flight nurse, respiratory therapist. No injuries reported. No patient. 

Description: 
	While passing over mountainous terrain in Central Oregon, and
	experiencing turbulent weather conditions, the nose of the helicopter
	pitched suddenly and steeply upwards while on autopilot.  The pilot
	was able to correct the condition by thrusting the stick forward and
	reducing power on the collective.  However, a warning light appeared
	in the cockpit in response to the stress placed on the rotor assembly
	and remained illuminated.  The pilot and crew were able to locate a
	good LZ and carried out a precautionary landing in accordance with our
	procedures.  Mechanics found that the torque on the rotor assembly
	bolts was satisfactory and no other malady has been found as of the
	time of this report.  

Additional Info: 
	This incident is under investigation at this time.

Source: Chris Pollard, Program Director

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