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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 4, 1985 · Quinn Aviation EL Tomcat MK-5A EL Tomcat · N8429

Blakley, GA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 4, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Blakley, GA
Aircraft
Quinn Aviation EL Tomcat MK-5A EL Tomcat
Tail Number
N8429
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA85LA207

WHILE EN ROUTE TO REPOSITION THE HELICOPTER TO ANOTHER FARM, THE ENG LOST POWER. THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING AN AUTOROTATION, THE MAIN ROTOR LOST SOME RPM AS HE STRETCHED HIS GLIDE TO AVOID A FENCE. AS THE HELICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN ON UNEVEN TERRAIN, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE TAIL BOOM. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT A CONNECTING ROD HAD FAILED.

Full Narrative

WHILE EN ROUTE TO REPOSITION THE HELICOPTER TO ANOTHER FARM, THE ENG LOST POWER. THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING AN AUTOROTATION, THE MAIN ROTOR LOST SOME RPM AS HE STRETCHED HIS GLIDE TO AVOID A FENCE. AS THE HELICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN ON UNEVEN TERRAIN, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE TAIL BOOM. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT A CONNECTING ROD HAD FAILED.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftQuinn Aviation EL Tomcat MK-5A EL Tomcat
Tail NumberN8429
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-A1D · Reciprocating · 240
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 11 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:49
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data