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NTSB Report
October 27, 1987 · Mcdonnell Douglas 369D · N47861
Borrego Springs, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 27, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Borrego Springs, CA
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas 369D
Tail Number
N47861
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX88LA025
THE PILOT AND THREE PASSENGERS WERE FLYING AT LOW ALTITUDE OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN LOOKING FOR BIG HORN SHEEP. THIRTY MINUTES INTO THE FLIGHT THE PILOT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE TAIL YAWED LEFT. THE PILOT TURNED AWAY FROM THE MOUNTAIN TO LOOK FOR A PLACE TO LAND. THE ENGINE LOST ALL POWER. BECAUSE IT WAS NECESSARY TO STRETCH THE GLIDE TO REACH THE ONLY AVAILABLE LANDING SPACE, THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT ROTOR SPEED REMAINING TO CUSHION THE LANDING. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED HARD, BREAKING THE RIGHT LANDING SKID AND ROLLING OVER ONTO ITS SIDE. EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT THE NO. 6 & 7 BEARINGS WERE FOUND TO HAVE FAILED DUE TO OIL STARVATION. THE REASON FOR THE OIL STARVATION COULD NOT BE DETERMINED.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT AND THREE PASSENGERS WERE FLYING AT LOW ALTITUDE OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN LOOKING FOR BIG HORN SHEEP. THIRTY MINUTES INTO THE FLIGHT THE PILOT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE TAIL YAWED LEFT. THE PILOT TURNED AWAY FROM THE MOUNTAIN TO LOOK FOR A PLACE TO LAND. THE ENGINE LOST ALL POWER. BECAUSE IT WAS NECESSARY TO STRETCH THE GLIDE TO REACH THE ONLY AVAILABLE LANDING SPACE, THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT ROTOR SPEED REMAINING TO CUSHION THE LANDING. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED HARD, BREAKING THE RIGHT LANDING SKID AND ROLLING OVER ONTO ITS SIDE. EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT THE NO. 6 & 7 BEARINGS WERE FOUND TO HAVE FAILED DUE TO OIL STARVATION. THE REASON FOR THE OIL STARVATION COULD NOT BE DETERMINED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMcdonnell Douglas 369D
Tail NumberN47861
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-L20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 55 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 3 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time01:55
Weather SourceWFAC