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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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May 29, 2019 · Sikorsky UH19 D · N955TC

Brewster, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 29, 2019
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Brewster, WA
Aircraft
Sikorsky UH19 D
Tail Number
N955TC
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR19LA168

The pilot-in-command (PIC) was evaluating another pilot as a new job applicant. While the applicant-pilot was manipulating the helicopter controls, the PIC heard a “bang” and noted an overspeed indication on the tachometer. He subsequently took control of the helicopter and performed an autorotation that resulted in a hard landing, which substantially damaged the helicopter. The Federal Aviation Administration and operator surmised that the main drive line system clutch and torque converter failed, which resulted in the engine overspeed. However, the operator did not respond to investigators or submit a NTSB Form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Incident Report, nor was a follow-up examination of the helicopter able to be scheduled and performed by the NTSB investigator. Due to the operator’s lack of cooperation during the investigation, the NTSB investigator was unable to definitively determine the cause of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

A reported mechanical malfunction and a hard landing for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

Full Narrative

On May 28, 2019, about 1710 Pacific daylight time, a Sikorsky UH-19D helicopter, N955TC, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Brewster, Washington. One pilot received minor injuries, while the second pilot was uninjured. The helicopter was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an evaluation flight. The day after the accident, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors interviewed the pilot-in-command (PIC) who informed the inspectors that the purpose of the flight was to evaluate the other pilot as a “new job applicant” for cherry drying flights. The applicant-pilot was flying the helicopter when the PIC heard a “bang”, observed the over-speed on the tachometer and saw the “applicant-pilot” frozen on the controls. The PIC took over the controls and executed an autorotation from about 20-50 ft agl. The helicopter subsequently landed hard, separating the tailboom from the fuselage and collapsing the landing gear, which resulted in substantial damage. The applicant-pilot was uninjured but remained in the hospital and was discharged the next day with no forwarding address or phone number. The FAA inspectors and the operator surmised that the main drive line system clutch and torque converter failed, which resulted in the engine over-speed. The NTSB investigator attempted to contact the operator to discuss future examination of the helicopter and to obtain the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1. However, all attempts to contact the operator were unsuccessful, and the proposed follow-up examination of the helicopter by the NTSB was not performed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:10 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSikorsky UH19 D
Tail NumberN955TC
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · Minor
Crew 2Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C
Altimeter29.84 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data