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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

December 1, 1993 · Sikorsky H34-G · N8503J

Walterboro, SC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 1, 1993
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Walterboro, SC
Aircraft
Sikorsky H34-G
Tail Number
N8503J
Operator
William L Mitchell Iii
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL94LA025

THE HELICOPTER WAS CONDUCTING LONG LINE EXTERNAL LOGGING OPERATIONS. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS AT A HOVER, WITHOUT A LOAD, AND THE AIRCRAFT THROTTLE SEIZED AT ABOUT HALF THROTTLE. HE EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING INTO A GROUP OF TREES, AND THE AIRCRAFT RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. INSPECTION OF THE THROTTLE AND THROTTLE LINKAGE TO THE ENGINE DID NOT REVEAL ANY MALFUNCTION.

NTSB Probable Cause

The seizure of the aircraft throttle to engine linkage for unknown reasons.

Full Narrative

On December 1, 1993, at about 1525 eastern standard time, a Sikorsky H34-G, N8503J, was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain near Walterboro, South Carolina. The commercial pilot received minor injuries in the accident. The helicopter was being operated under 14 CFR Part 133 by Helicopter Lumberjacks of Paragold, Arkansas. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed for the local, logging operation. The pilot stated that while at a hover during logging operations, the throttle stuck at a partial power setting, and he was forced to execute an emergency landing in the trees. The aircraft was substantially damaged during the emergency landing. Inspection of the throttle linkage to the engine following the accident did not reveal any malfunction of the linkage or throttle.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:25 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSikorsky H34-G
Tail NumberN8503J
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWilliam L Mitchell Iii
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCurtis Wright · 989C9HE2 · Reciprocating · 1525
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 9 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data