By Maj. David Owen
NADEP H-53 Program Officer

Michael Paul, an H-53 airframes mechanic, has been awarded the Cherry Point Naval Air Depot Safety Professional of the Month award for April.

On March 6, Paul and two other artisans assigned to the H-53 Flight Check Shop were assigned to ground turn aircraft 163070 in order to verify the engine track. After installing the required equipment on the aircraft, the crew serviced the aircraft and performed a preflight inspection.

Once the aircraft met the requirements for a ground turn, the crew began the normal checklist in accordance with the MH-53E NATOPS manual. The aircraft operated with no problems until the aircraft reached 98 percent rotor speed, the No. 2 generator was brought on line, and the auxiliary power plant (APP) was secured. At this point, Paul heard what he thought to be the accessory gearbox and the No. 1 and No. 3 generators shutting down. Second stage and utility hydraulic system pressures decreased from 3,000 to 0 psi accompanied by a failure of the automatic flight control system (AFCS), trim and both AFCS servos. The cyclic began falling to the left as well.

Paul immediately corrected the flight control position and called for the APP to be started. Once the APP reached normal operating speed, the hydraulic systems, generators, AFCS, trim and AFCS servos returned to normal operation. Paul executed a normal shutdown in accordance with the MH-53E NATOPS.

Once the aircraft was shut down, he inspected the accessory gearbox drive shaft and found it to be secure, but when he turned it counterclockwise, he noticed a grinding noise coming from inside the accessory gearbox. The APP drive shaft was also turning. Paul notified his supervisor, Examination and Evaluation, Quality Assurance and Engineering of his findings.

According to Robert Jordan, an H-53 aerospace engineer, the initial investigation pointed to a failure of the accessory gearbox freewheeling unit, which caused the accessory takeoff section of the main gearbox to shear. The failure of these two items prevented the main gearbox from driving the accessory gearbox and all its related systems.

Paul’s quick reactions, aircraft knowledge and solid procedural skills allowed him to safely secure the aircraft. His actions prevented further damage to the aircraft and possible injuries to personnel. This incident and previous similar incidents have led to an engineering investigation and hazard report to be initiated for fleet awareness and funding to fix the problem. Paul’s exceptional skills and sound judgment have increased the awareness of these problems not only within this depot, but increased the awareness of H-53 fleet activities as well.

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Cutline: Michael Paul, an H-53 airframes mechanic on the flight check line, won the depot’s April Aviation Safety Professional of the Month award for his quick thinking during the run-up of an H-53. (Photo by Mike Barton)