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NTSB Report
August 5, 1983 · Sikorsky S-58 · N2518M
Westwego, LA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 5, 1983
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Westwego, LA
Aircraft
Sikorsky S-58
Tail Number
N2518M
Operator
Imperial Intl
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW83LA365
THE HELICOPTER WAS BEING USED TO STRING POWER LINES BY CARRYING A 500 LB WT, TO WHICH, THE RESPECTIVE WIRE WAS ATTACHED. WHILE HOVERING AT ABOUT 120 FT AGL & IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO A POWER LINE TOWER, THE ENG LOSS POWER ABRUPTLY. AN AUTOROTATIVE LANDING WAS MADE & THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD & WAS DAMAGED. AN EXAM OF THE ENG & FUEL SYS REVEALED NO DISCREPANCIES.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER WAS BEING USED TO STRING POWER LINES BY CARRYING A 500 LB WT, TO WHICH, THE RESPECTIVE WIRE WAS ATTACHED. WHILE HOVERING AT ABOUT 120 FT AGL & IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO A POWER LINE TOWER, THE ENG LOSS POWER ABRUPTLY. AN AUTOROTATIVE LANDING WAS MADE & THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD & WAS DAMAGED. AN EXAM OF THE ENG & FUEL SYS REVEALED NO DISCREPANCIES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSikorsky S-58
Tail NumberN2518M
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorImperial Intl
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1820 · Reciprocating · 1425
Seats14
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:00
Weather SourceWFAC