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November 10, 2019 · Sikorsky S 58JT ET · N827MW

Lebanon, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 10, 2019
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Lebanon, IN
Aircraft
Sikorsky S 58JT ET (1958)
Tail Number
N827MW
Operator
Midwest Helicopter Airways
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA20CA063

The pilot reported that he conducted a low-reconnaissance flight in the helicopter over the intended landing site, which was just east of a building. Shortly after, he realized that the landing site had changed to west of the building. He maneuvered the helicopter to a hover over the new landing site about 75 ft above ground level and started a vertical descent. During the descent, a company mechanic seated in the left seat told the pilot of an obstacle left of the helicopter. He acknowledged seeing the obstacle and continued to descend. Shortly after touchdown, as the pilot reduced the throttle setting to idle, the main rotor blades struck a tractor trailer, the helicopter yawed, and the tail rotor blades struck the trailer. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor and tail rotor systems. The director of operations reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Ground vehicle-Effect on equipment - C

Full Narrative

The helicopter pilot reported that he did a low-reconnaissance flight over the intended landing site, just to the east of a building. Shortly after, he realized that the landing site was changed to the west side of the building. He maneuvered the helicopter to a hover over a new landing site west of the building, about 75 feet above the ground, and started a vertical decent. During the decent, a company mechanic seated in left seat of the cockpit told the pilot of an obstacle to the left of the helicopter. He acknowledged seeing the obstacle and continued to descend. Shortly after touchdown, as the pilot reduced the throttle setting to idle, the main rotor blades struck an empty tractor trailer, the helicopter yawed, and the tail rotor blades struck the trailer. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor and tail rotor systems. The director of operations reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:16 EST
Nearest AirportBoone County (3nm NW)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSikorsky S 58JT ET
Tail NumberN827MW
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMidwest Helicopter Airways
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PT6T-3 · Turboshaft · 900 | Pratt & Whitney · PT6T-3 · Turboshaft · 900
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 41 C
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time18:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data