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NTSB Report
August 10, 1988 · Continental Copters MK-5 · N25561
Redkey, IN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 10, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Redkey, IN
Aircraft
Continental Copters MK-5
Tail Number
N25561
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI88DEX11
THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED DURING AN AREIAL APPLICATION FLT. AFTER A REVERSAL TURN TO MAKE A SWATH RUN, THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK A TREE AT THE EDGE OF THE FIELD. THE HELICOPTER ENTERED AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT AND CRASHED IN FIELD. TOXICOLOGY REVEALED HIGH CONCENTRATION OF THE SEDATIVE ANTIHISTAMINE DIPHENHYDRAMINE IN BOTH THE PILOT'S BLOOD & URINE. INTERPRETIVE COMMENTS ACCOMPANYING THE TOXICOLOGY REPORT STATED THAT HE BLOOD CONCENTRATION PRESENT WOULD MOST PROBABLY BE ASSOCIATED WITH SIGNIFICANT DROWSINESS.
NTSB Probable Cause
PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT OF THE PILOT DUE TO DRUGS WHICH RESULTED IN A MISJUDGED APPROACH AND SUBSEQUENT CONTACT WITH TREES DURING THE APPROACH TO AN AERIAL APPLICATION SWATH RUN.
Full Narrative
THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED DURING AN AREIAL APPLICATION FLT. AFTER A REVERSAL TURN TO MAKE A SWATH RUN, THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK A TREE AT THE EDGE OF THE FIELD. THE HELICOPTER ENTERED AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT AND CRASHED IN FIELD. TOXICOLOGY REVEALED HIGH CONCENTRATION OF THE SEDATIVE ANTIHISTAMINE DIPHENHYDRAMINE IN BOTH THE PILOT'S BLOOD & URINE. INTERPRETIVE COMMENTS ACCOMPANYING THE TOXICOLOGY REPORT STATED THAT HE BLOOD CONCENTRATION PRESENT WOULD MOST PROBABLY BE ASSOCIATED WITH SIGNIFICANT DROWSINESS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftContinental Copters MK-5
Tail NumberN25561
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-435 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 2 kt
Visibility4 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT