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NTSB Report
January 20, 1988 · Aerospatiale AS-355-F1 · N5800F
Grand Prairie, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 20, 1988
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Grand Prairie, TX
Aircraft
Aerospatiale AS-355-F1
Tail Number
N5800F
Operator
Era Helicopters
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW88LA075
THE ACDT OCCURRED ON THE 2ND FLT OF TRANSITION TRNG FOR AN EXPERIENCED HELICOPTER PLT. THE TRNG ON THIS FLT INCLUDED SIM TAIL ROTOR FAILURE RUN-ON LANDINGS. THE CFI DEMONSTRATED 2 LANDINGS AND THE TRAINEE TOOK THE CONTROLS FOR THE 3RD. THE LANDINGS WERE BEING MADE IN THE GRASS BESIDE A PAVED RWY. DURING THE LANDING SLIDE THE FRONT OF THE SKIDS DUG IN AND THE HELICOPTER PITCHED FORWARD. THE TRAINEE PULLED UP ON THE COLLECTIVE AND AFT ON THE CYCLIC WHEREUPON THE HELICOPTER ROCKED BACKWARDS AND THE TAIL STRUCK THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER BECAME AIRBORNE; HOWEVER, THE CFI DETECTED VIBRATION AND UNUSUAL NOISE AND ANNOUNCED 'TAIL ROTOR FAILURE'. AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS COMPLETED WITH NO ADDITIONAL DAMAGE OR INJURIES.
Full Narrative
THE ACDT OCCURRED ON THE 2ND FLT OF TRANSITION TRNG FOR AN EXPERIENCED HELICOPTER PLT. THE TRNG ON THIS FLT INCLUDED SIM TAIL ROTOR FAILURE RUN-ON LANDINGS. THE CFI DEMONSTRATED 2 LANDINGS AND THE TRAINEE TOOK THE CONTROLS FOR THE 3RD. THE LANDINGS WERE BEING MADE IN THE GRASS BESIDE A PAVED RWY. DURING THE LANDING SLIDE THE FRONT OF THE SKIDS DUG IN AND THE HELICOPTER PITCHED FORWARD. THE TRAINEE PULLED UP ON THE COLLECTIVE AND AFT ON THE CYCLIC WHEREUPON THE HELICOPTER ROCKED BACKWARDS AND THE TAIL STRUCK THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER BECAME AIRBORNE; HOWEVER, THE CFI DETECTED VIBRATION AND UNUSUAL NOISE AND ANNOUNCED 'TAIL ROTOR FAILURE'. AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS COMPLETED WITH NO ADDITIONAL DAMAGE OR INJURIES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:38 CST
Nearest AirportGrand Prairie (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAerospatiale AS-355-F1
Tail NumberN5800F
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorEra Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20F · Turboshaft · 420
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 8 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 25 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:51
Weather SourceWFAC