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NTSB Report
January 16, 1986 · Sikorsky S-58F · N885
North Adams, MI
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 16, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
North Adams, MI
Aircraft
Sikorsky S-58F
Tail Number
N885
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI86LA067
WHILE ACCOMPLISHING PREFLIGHT SYSTEMS CHECKS WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE ROTOR SYSTEM ENGAGED THE AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED A HYDRAULIC HARDOVER. UNCOMMANDED DISPLACEMENT OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS CAUSED THE AIRCRAFT TO PITCH UP AND LEFT SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL BEFORE THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND AND THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO REST ON ITS LEFT SIDE. TESTING OF THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. TEARDOWN INSPECTION REVEALED FOREIGN MATERIAL IN THE HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS.
Full Narrative
WHILE ACCOMPLISHING PREFLIGHT SYSTEMS CHECKS WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE ROTOR SYSTEM ENGAGED THE AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED A HYDRAULIC HARDOVER. UNCOMMANDED DISPLACEMENT OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS CAUSED THE AIRCRAFT TO PITCH UP AND LEFT SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL BEFORE THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND AND THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO REST ON ITS LEFT SIDE. TESTING OF THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. TEARDOWN INSPECTION REVEALED FOREIGN MATERIAL IN THE HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:05 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSikorsky S-58F
Tail NumberN885
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsWright · R-1820-84 · Reciprocating · 1475
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 5 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 36 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO