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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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May 29, 1985 · Continental Copters Tomcat MARK 5A/OH13H Tomcat MAR · N9081T

Freeman, SD

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 29, 1985
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Freeman, SD
Aircraft
Continental Copters Tomcat MARK 5A/OH13H Tomcat MAR
Tail Number
N9081T
Operator
Leland Cain
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN85LA144

THE PLT SAID HE HAD COMPLETED 4 TO 5 SWATH RUNS (CROP SPRAYING MISSION). DURING A TURNING MANUEVER WITH A LEFT QUATERING TAIL WIND, FULL LEFT PEDAL,FULL PWR,THE HELICOPTER HAD A HIGH SINK RATE UNTIL GRD IMPACT.

Full Narrative

THE PLT SAID HE HAD COMPLETED 4 TO 5 SWATH RUNS (CROP SPRAYING MISSION). DURING A TURNING MANUEVER WITH A LEFT QUATERING TAIL WIND, FULL LEFT PEDAL,FULL PWR,THE HELICOPTER HAD A HIGH SINK RATE UNTIL GRD IMPACT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:25 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftContinental Copters Tomcat MARK 5A/OH13H Tomcat MAR
Tail NumberN9081T
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLeland Cain
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-435-23 · Reciprocating · 240
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind315° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data