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NTSB Report
August 19, 1988 · Texas Helicopter M74A · N51862
Lancaster, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 19, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lancaster, CA
Aircraft
Texas Helicopter M74A
Tail Number
N51862
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX88DUQ04
DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT, JUST AFTER TAKEOFF, THE NOSE OF THE HELICOPTER SUDDENLY PITCHED UP. THE PILOT REDUCED POWER TO KEEP FROM CLIMBING. THE FORE/AFT CYCLIC CONTROL HAD NO EFFECT. THE HELICOPTER SETTLED TO THE GROUND RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. INSPECTION OF THE FORE/AFT CONTROL LINKAGE, REVEALED THAT A BOLT WAS MISSING BETWEEN THE SWASH PLATE AND THE PUSH PULL TUBE.
Full Narrative
DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT, JUST AFTER TAKEOFF, THE NOSE OF THE HELICOPTER SUDDENLY PITCHED UP. THE PILOT REDUCED POWER TO KEEP FROM CLIMBING. THE FORE/AFT CYCLIC CONTROL HAD NO EFFECT. THE HELICOPTER SETTLED TO THE GROUND RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. INSPECTION OF THE FORE/AFT CONTROL LINKAGE, REVEALED THAT A BOLT WAS MISSING BETWEEN THE SWASH PLATE AND THE PUSH PULL TUBE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftTexas Helicopter M74A
Tail NumberN51862
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435 · Reciprocating · 240
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270°
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO