On August 14, 2005, at 1620 eastern daylight time, an MBB Eurocopter BK 117 B-1, N117US conducted an emergency landing after takeoff, and rolled over in Jacksonville, Florida. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot, and two flight crewmembers were not injured. The flight originated from the University Hospital helipad, Jacksonville, Florida on August 14, 2005 at 1615.
According to the pilot, after completing the before takeoff checklist, the helicopter departed the University Hospital helipad enroute to Middleburg, Florida. Approximately thirty seconds after takeoff, the pilot reported a loud noise, and the helicopter shuttered. The pilot attempted to gain forward airspeed to continue the flight on one engine, however after the helicopter cleared a set of power lines, the pilot decided to execute a precautionary landing into the backyard of a residential home. The pilot instructed the crew to prepare for landing. Upon touching down on what the pilot believed was a hedgerow, the helicopter rolled onto the right side.
