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NTSB Report
November 21, 1983 · Aerospatiale AS350D · N5778X
Sweet Springs, MO
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 21, 1983
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 serious injuries)
Location
Sweet Springs, MO
Aircraft
Aerospatiale AS350D
Tail Number
N5778X
Operator
Rocky Mountain Helicopters
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC84FA029
THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD DURING A FORCED LANDING AFTER A POWER LOSS DURING A FERRY FLT. THE PLT STATED THAT AT ABOUT 200 FT TURNING ON A BASE LEG FOR LANDING HE HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THE ENGINE FAILED. A WITNESS SAID HE HEARD THE ENGINE DIE AND SAW THE HELICOPTER DESCEND. THE PLT SAID HE PULLED OFF ROTOR RPM TO EXTEND HIS GLIDE AND IMPACTED THE GROUND ON A SIDEWALK WHILE IN A RIGHT TURN. THE 3 OCCUPANTS WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE BY THE OPERATOR DISCLOSED AN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL OPEN OF THE T-4 WIRING HARNESS SPLICE; AEROSPATIALE P/N 320570 EXTENSION LEAD AND P/N 327637 REDUCTION. MOVEMENT OF THE WIRE RESULTED IN A REDUCED INDICATION OF THE T-4 TEMPERATURE GAUGE OF APPROXIMATELY 75 DEGREES AT GROUND OPERATING TEMPERATURES.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD DURING A FORCED LANDING AFTER A POWER LOSS DURING A FERRY FLT. THE PLT STATED THAT AT ABOUT 200 FT TURNING ON A BASE LEG FOR LANDING HE HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THE ENGINE FAILED. A WITNESS SAID HE HEARD THE ENGINE DIE AND SAW THE HELICOPTER DESCEND. THE PLT SAID HE PULLED OFF ROTOR RPM TO EXTEND HIS GLIDE AND IMPACTED THE GROUND ON A SIDEWALK WHILE IN A RIGHT TURN. THE 3 OCCUPANTS WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE BY THE OPERATOR DISCLOSED AN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL OPEN OF THE T-4 WIRING HARNESS SPLICE; AEROSPATIALE P/N 320570 EXTENSION LEAD AND P/N 327637 REDUCTION. MOVEMENT OF THE WIRE RESULTED IN A REDUCED INDICATION OF THE T-4 TEMPERATURE GAUGE OF APPROXIMATELY 75 DEGREES AT GROUND OPERATING TEMPERATURES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:25 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAerospatiale AS350D
Tail NumberN5778X
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRocky Mountain Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsLycoming · LTV 101-600A2 · Turboshaft · 521
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious3
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 37 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 4 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 46
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:47
Weather SourceWFAC