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NTSB Report
October 19, 1985 · Texas Helicopter M74A · N51862
Daggett, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 19, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Daggett, CA
Aircraft
Texas Helicopter M74A
Tail Number
N51862
Operator
Aerohead Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX86LUG01
THE PLT STATED HE HAD JUST LIFTED OFF FOR A FERTILIZER SPREADING OPERATION WITH AN EXTERNAL LOAD BUCKET, WHEN THE ENG HAD A PARTIAL PWR LOSS AT 100 FT AGL. A DESCENT WAS STARTED AND THE BUCKET WAS DISENGAGED. HOWEVER, WHILE THE PLT WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND THE HELICOPTER, THE TAIL ROTOR CONTACTED THE GROUND, FOLLOWED BY THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES. WHEN THE HELICOPTER CAME TO REST, IT WAS LAYING ON IT'S RIGHT SIDE. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION DISCLOSED TE MOVABLE BREAKER OF THE LEFT MAGNETO BREAKER POINT ASSEMBLY WAS FOUND BROKEN OFF AND LAYING IN THE BOTTOM OF THE MAGNETO HOUSING.
Full Narrative
THE PLT STATED HE HAD JUST LIFTED OFF FOR A FERTILIZER SPREADING OPERATION WITH AN EXTERNAL LOAD BUCKET, WHEN THE ENG HAD A PARTIAL PWR LOSS AT 100 FT AGL. A DESCENT WAS STARTED AND THE BUCKET WAS DISENGAGED. HOWEVER, WHILE THE PLT WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND THE HELICOPTER, THE TAIL ROTOR CONTACTED THE GROUND, FOLLOWED BY THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES. WHEN THE HELICOPTER CAME TO REST, IT WAS LAYING ON IT'S RIGHT SIDE. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION DISCLOSED TE MOVABLE BREAKER OF THE LEFT MAGNETO BREAKER POINT ASSEMBLY WAS FOUND BROKEN OFF AND LAYING IN THE BOTTOM OF THE MAGNETO HOUSING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftTexas Helicopter M74A
Tail NumberN51862
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAerohead Helicopters
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-A1F · Reciprocating · 240
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility100 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO