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NTSB Report
May 4, 1982 · Sikorsky S-55B · N16861
Otsego, OH
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 4, 1982
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Otsego, OH
Aircraft
Sikorsky S-55B
Tail Number
N16861
Operator
Harral Helicopter
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI82DA150
THE PILOT WAS SPREADING FERTILIZER BY USING EXTERNAL BUCKETS. AS HE WAS UNHOOKING A BUCKET, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. HE DID A HOVERING AUTOROTATION, BUT THE HELICOPTER SETTLED ON A BUCKET, TIPPED OVER AND ALLOWED THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES TO HIT THE GROUND. AN EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE ENGINE HAD MECHANICAL CONTINUITY AND THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS CLEAN AND WORKING PROPERLY. HOWEVER, EVIDENCE OF ARCING WAS FOUND IN THE MAGNETO SWITCH CASE. ALSO, SIGNS WERE FOUND THAT INDICATED MOISTURE HAD BEEN PRESENT IN THE SWITCH. REPORTEDLY, THE ENGINE OPERATED NORMALLY AFTER THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS SPREADING FERTILIZER BY USING EXTERNAL BUCKETS. AS HE WAS UNHOOKING A BUCKET, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. HE DID A HOVERING AUTOROTATION, BUT THE HELICOPTER SETTLED ON A BUCKET, TIPPED OVER AND ALLOWED THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES TO HIT THE GROUND. AN EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE ENGINE HAD MECHANICAL CONTINUITY AND THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS CLEAN AND WORKING PROPERLY. HOWEVER, EVIDENCE OF ARCING WAS FOUND IN THE MAGNETO SWITCH CASE. ALSO, SIGNS WERE FOUND THAT INDICATED MOISTURE HAD BEEN PRESENT IN THE SWITCH. REPORTEDLY, THE ENGINE OPERATED NORMALLY AFTER THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSikorsky S-55B
Tail NumberN16861
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHarral Helicopter
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsWright · C7BA · Reciprocating · 800
Seats12
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 7 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point17 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg