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NTSB Report
July 13, 1988 · Sikorsky S-58BT · N94AH
Marina Del Rey, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 13, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Marina Del Rey, CA
Aircraft
Sikorsky S-58BT
Tail Number
N94AH
Operator
Aris Helicopters
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX88FA254
THE HELICOPTER WAS PERFORMING EXTERNAL LOAD WORK TO AND FROM THE ROOF OF A 15 STORY CONDOMINIUM COMPLEX IN A HEAVELY BUILT-UP AREA. THE PILOT SAID THAT JUST AFTER LIFTING A LOAD FROM THE ROOF HE EXPERIENCED A DUAL ENGINE FLAME OUT AND HE EXECUTED AN AUTOROTATION TO THE ONLY AVAILABLE AREA. A MARINA HARBOR CHANNEL. WITNESSES HEARD A DEFINITE SOUND CHANGE INVOLVING BOTH THE ROTOR AND THE ENGINE NOISE. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS SET UP TO FEED BOTH ENGINES FROM THE AFT TANK. THE CAPACITANCE TYPE FUEL SYSTEM GAGES SHOWED ZERO IN THE AFT TANK AND 690 POUNDS IN THE FOWARD TANK. EXAMINATION OF THE HELICOPTER SHOWED NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES. THE PILOT HAD LIMITED EXPERIENCE IN THE SIKORSKY S58T.
NTSB Probable Cause
MISMANAGEMENT OF THE FUEL SYSTEM BY THE PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION AND A DUEL ENGINE FLAMEOUT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN THE SIKORSKY S58T.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER WAS PERFORMING EXTERNAL LOAD WORK TO AND FROM THE ROOF OF A 15 STORY CONDOMINIUM COMPLEX IN A HEAVELY BUILT-UP AREA. THE PILOT SAID THAT JUST AFTER LIFTING A LOAD FROM THE ROOF HE EXPERIENCED A DUAL ENGINE FLAME OUT AND HE EXECUTED AN AUTOROTATION TO THE ONLY AVAILABLE AREA. A MARINA HARBOR CHANNEL. WITNESSES HEARD A DEFINITE SOUND CHANGE INVOLVING BOTH THE ROTOR AND THE ENGINE NOISE. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS SET UP TO FEED BOTH ENGINES FROM THE AFT TANK. THE CAPACITANCE TYPE FUEL SYSTEM GAGES SHOWED ZERO IN THE AFT TANK AND 690 POUNDS IN THE FOWARD TANK. EXAMINATION OF THE HELICOPTER SHOWED NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES. THE PILOT HAD LIMITED EXPERIENCE IN THE SIKORSKY S58T.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:35 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSikorsky S-58BT
Tail NumberN94AH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAris Helicopters
Operating RulePart 133
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsP&W · PT6-3 · Turboshaft · 900
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:48
Weather SourceWFAC