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NTSB Report
April 15, 1989 · Sikorsky S-58ET · N1168U
Santa Ana, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 15, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Santa Ana, CA
Aircraft
Sikorsky S-58ET
Tail Number
N1168U
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX89FA160
AFTER THE CARGO WAS LOADED, AND AS THE PILOT GROUND TAXIED OVER A CONCRETE DRAINAGE DEPRESSION IN THE RAMP, THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR SEPARATED FROM THE GEAR TUBE AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER. METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION OF THE FAILED LANDING GEAR STRUT REVEALED PRE-EXISTING FATIGUE CRACKS IN THE INSIDE THE GEAR LEG EXTENDING FROM MULTIPLE ORIGINS. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS CORROSION PITTING AND REMNANT TOOLING MARKS ON THE SURFACE FINISH OF THE LOWER GEAR TUBE INSIDE DIAMETER. THE PITTED AND CORRODED CONDITION OF THE TUBE INSIDE DIAMETER INDICATED THAT ENVIRONMENTAL INTRUSION OF THE CORROSION PREVENTATIVE MATERIAL MAY HAVE OCCURRED DURING SERVICE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS 951 POUNDS OVER CERTIFICATED MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE OF THE LANDING GEAR RESULTING FROM EXCESSIVE LOADING DURING GROUND OPERATIONS, AND FATIGUE CRACKING.
Full Narrative
AFTER THE CARGO WAS LOADED, AND AS THE PILOT GROUND TAXIED OVER A CONCRETE DRAINAGE DEPRESSION IN THE RAMP, THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR SEPARATED FROM THE GEAR TUBE AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER. METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION OF THE FAILED LANDING GEAR STRUT REVEALED PRE-EXISTING FATIGUE CRACKS IN THE INSIDE THE GEAR LEG EXTENDING FROM MULTIPLE ORIGINS. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS CORROSION PITTING AND REMNANT TOOLING MARKS ON THE SURFACE FINISH OF THE LOWER GEAR TUBE INSIDE DIAMETER. THE PITTED AND CORRODED CONDITION OF THE TUBE INSIDE DIAMETER INDICATED THAT ENVIRONMENTAL INTRUSION OF THE CORROSION PREVENTATIVE MATERIAL MAY HAVE OCCURRED DURING SERVICE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS 951 POUNDS OVER CERTIFICATED MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:33 PDT
Nearest AirportJohn Wayne (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSikorsky S-58ET
Tail NumberN1168U
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsP&W · PT6T-6 · Turboshaft · 825
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 12 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 55
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time01:55
Weather SourceWFAC