University of Michigan Survival Flight - Non-injury incident

Date: 08/19/2008 0940 est

Program: University of Michigan Survival Flight
	1500 E Medical Ctr Dr
	Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Type: Bell 430
Tail #: 431UM
Operator/Vendor: Air Methods Corp

Weather: Clear. Not a factor

Team: Pilot, Flight Nurse, Flight Nurse, Mechanic. No injuries reported. No patient. 

Description: 
	After returning from a patient flight, the PIC of a Survival Flight
	Bell 430 conducted a post flight walk-around.  During his inspection,
	the PIC noticed oil leaking from the aircraft?s panels.  Further
	inspection revealed that a large amount of transmission oil had exited
	the transmission housing.  During shutdown, the PIC noted that there
	was no indication that the transmission was losing oil.
	
	All appropriate Air Methods Corporation (AMC) personnel were informed
	and maintenance conducted an inspection of the aircraft. 
	Approximately 7 quarts exited the transmission housing.  Maintenance
	determined that the aircraft needed to be relocated to the maintenance
	facility.  A semi-trailer was used to transport the aircraft. 
	Survival Flight?s spare Bell 430 was placed in service at 1500 EST.
	
	With Bell support personnel present, further inspection revealed that
	the lower case was leaking at a stud relief hole.  Based on all
	indications, this was the result of a manufacturer defect.  This was a
	new transmission case with 157.7 hours of total service. 
	Additionally, the use of ?proseal? during assembly, as per the Bell
	maintenance manual, prevented seepage prior to this point.
	
	A new lower case was installed as per the Bell maintenance manual.
	Upon completion of all procedures and paperwork, this aircraft was
	placed back in service.

Source: Program Aviation Manager

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