The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has concluded its investigation into the fatal crash of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) “Metro 2” helicopter. The tragic accident, which occurred on July 16, 2022, near Las Vegas, New Mexico, resulted in the deaths of four crew members.

Summary of the NTSB Findings

Mechanical Failure Due to Poor Maintenance

The NTSB identified poor maintenance as the primary cause of the crash. Specifically, the failure of the starter-generator input gear due to fatigue led to a series of catastrophic mechanical issues:

• Starter-Generator Driveshaft Shearing: The failure caused the driveshaft to shear.
• Accessory Gearbox Seizure: This resulted in the gearbox seizing up.
• Total Loss of Engine Power: Ultimately, these failures caused a complete engine shutdown.

Unaddressed Warning Signs

Approximately 17 flight hours before the crash, a small piece of ferrous metal was discovered on the magnetic chip plug during an engine chip event. The oil system was drained, flushed, and the filter elements were cleaned and reinstalled. However, BCSO did not use the lab analysis results to diagnose the root cause of the chip event. Proper analysis could have potentially identified the deteriorating component and prevented the failure.

Additional Contributing Factors

The NTSB report also mentioned that unsuccessful autorotation, influenced by the setting sun and high-density altitude, contributed to the crash.

Response from BCSO

Sheriff John Allen, who took office in January 2023, responded to the NTSB report by grounding the air unit and implementing comprehensive safety measures. These include:

• Increased Personnel: An additional pilot and mechanic have been added to the team.
• New Safety Policies: Policies have been revamped to enhance safety protocols.

The helicopter was aiding fire crews with the East Mesa Fire when it crashed, resulting in the deaths of BCSO Undersheriff Larry Koren, Lt. Fred Beers, Deputy Michael Levison, and Bernalillo County Fire Department Rescue Specialist Matthew King.

Timeline of Events Leading to the Crash

July 16, 2022

• 10:56 am: Launch from Double Eagle Airport for a PR event at Valle Del Oso.
• 11:12 am: Arrival at Valle Del Oso.
• 12:48 pm: Departure to retrieve kayaks from the Rio Grande river.
• 1:18 pm: Arrival at Double Eagle Airport.
• 1:48 pm: Departure to assist with the East Mesa Fire.
• 2:50 pm: Arrival on the scene for fire assistance.
• 4:19 pm: Refuel at Las Vegas Airport.
• 4:32 pm: Return to assist with bucket drops.
• 6:22 pm: Final refuel at Las Vegas Airport.
• 6:36 pm: Departure to return to Double Eagle.
• 7:18 pm: Last known location south of Las Vegas, NM.

Moving Forward with Enhanced Safety Measures

Sheriff Allen emphasized that the decision to pause operations and overhaul procedures was essential to prevent future tragedies. The comprehensive review included collaboration with MASU members and Bernalillo County Fire Rescue to ensure alignment with industry standards. This led to the confident relaunch of MASU in December 2023, with heightened safety protocols in place.

The loss of Pilot Undersheriff Larry Koren, Lieutenant Fred Beers, Deputy Micheal Levison, and Rescue Specialist Captain Matthew King has profoundly impacted the community. BCSO’s commitment to their memory is reflected in their dedication to upholding the highest safety standards.

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