# Aerospatiale SA315B - Type: Aircraft model (FAA registry) - Registry code: 8680615 - Manufacturer (registry): AEROSPATIALE - Model: SA315B - Aircraft type: Rotorcraft - Category: Rotorcraft - Engines: 1 · Turbo-shaft - Seats: 5 - Weight class: Up to 12,499 lb - Certification: Type certificated - Data sheet: [TCDS H1IN](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/H1IN) (OpenAirDocs) - Holder: Airbus Helicopters - Registered aircraft: 18 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/model/aerospatiale-sa315b Model codes come from the FAA registry's reference file. ADs are matched to them by model name and maker. ## ADs that may apply (OpenAirDocs) Matched to this model by model name and maker. Each AD's applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or equipment. None matched. ## Registered aircraft (18) - [N10067](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N10067): [Safer Medical Of Mt](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SAFER%20MEDICAL%20OF%20MT), [Fort Benton, MT](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MT/Fort%20Benton), built 1972, S/N 2276 - [N210SJ](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N210SJ): [San Juan Aviation LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SAN%20JUAN%20AVIATION%20LLC), [Wilmington, DE](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/DE/Wilmington), S/N 2426 - [N220SJ](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N220SJ): [San Juan Aviation LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SAN%20JUAN%20AVIATION%20LLC), [Wilmington, DE](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/DE/Wilmington), S/N 2657 - [N238HA](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N238HA): [High Altitude Helicopters Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/HIGH%20ALTITUDE%20HELICOPTERS%20INC), [Brewster, WA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/WA/Brewster), built 1976, S/N 2438 - [N315BR](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N315BR): [International Air Services Inc Trustee](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/INTERNATIONAL%20AIR%20SERVICES%20INC%20TRUSTEE), [Carson City, NV](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NV/Carson%20City), built 1982, S/N 2621 - [N315JC](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N315JC): [Essential Flight Operations LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/ESSENTIAL%20FLIGHT%20OPERATIONS%20LLC), [Arlington, WA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/WA/Arlington), S/N 2563 - [N315TG](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N315TG): [Thl Export Inc Trustee](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/THL%20EXPORT%20INC%20TRUSTEE), [Wilmington, DE](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/DE/Wilmington), built 1982, S/N 2627 - [N316DJ](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N316DJ): [International Air Services Inc Trustee](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/INTERNATIONAL%20AIR%20SERVICES%20INC%20TRUSTEE), [Carson City, NV](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NV/Carson%20City), built 1977, S/N 2505 - [N3599D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3599D): [Aero Tech Helicopters LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/AERO%20TECH%20HELICOPTERS%20LLC), [Kingstree, SC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/SC/Kingstree), built 1979, S/N 2579 - [N483BA](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N483BA): [Somebeech LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SOMEBEECH%20LLC), [Prescott Valley, AZ](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AZ/Prescott%20Valley), built 1979, S/N 2558 - [N55963](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N55963): [International Air Services Inc Trustee](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/INTERNATIONAL%20AIR%20SERVICES%20INC%20TRUSTEE), [Carson City, NV](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NV/Carson%20City), built 1975, S/N 2428 - [N57948](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N57948): [Dodson International Parts Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/DODSON%20INTERNATIONAL%20PARTS%20INC), [Rantoul, KS](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/KS/Rantoul), built 1982, S/N 2628 - [N58000](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N58000): [Fresh Heli LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/FRESH%20HELI%20LLC), [Gillette, WY](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/WY/Gillette), S/N 2639 - [N596JP](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N596JP): [Aerospace Trust Management LLC Trustee](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/AEROSPACE%20TRUST%20MANAGEMENT%20LLC%20TRUSTEE), [Wilmington, DE](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/DE/Wilmington), S/N 2652 - [N59AH](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N59AH): [Angelone Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/ANGELONE%20INC), [Elkhart, IN](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/IN/Elkhart), built 1980, S/N 2588 - [N6667K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6667K): [Alpine Lift Helicopters LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/ALPINE%20LIFT%20HELICOPTERS%20LLC), [Albany, OR](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/OR/Albany), S/N 2584 - [N7866K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7866K): [Hermanns Helicopters LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/HERMANNS%20HELICOPTERS%20LLC), [Arlington, WA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/WA/Arlington), S/N 2561 - [N9007N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9007N): [Northwest Helicopters LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/NORTHWEST%20HELICOPTERS%20LLC), [Olympia, WA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/WA/Olympia), built 1978, S/N 2542 ## NTSB investigations (56, newest 50) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB ERA26LA344](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA344), Sep 18, 2026: Aerospatiale SA 315 (N238HA), Workmore, GA, substantial damage, investigation ongoing - [NTSB WPR24LA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA161), May 27, 2024: Aerospatiale SA315B (N57948), Hildale, UT, substantial damage. Probable cause: Maintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the EGT thermocouples, which resulted in catastrophic overtemperature of the engine and a total loss of engine power. - [NTSB CEN13CA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13CA027), Oct 19, 2012: Aerospatiale SA315B (N57948), Helena, OK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to properly secure the cyclic and to stop the main rotor system before exiting the helicopter, which resulted in the main rotor blades striking the tail rotor driveshaft. - [NTSB WPR10LA452](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA452), Sep 7, 2010: Aerospatiale SA315 (N17285), Winters, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. - [NTSB DFW07LA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07LA162), Jul 14, 2007: Aerospatiale SA-315 (N5770F), Stuart, OK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The loss of engine power due to a clogged fuel tube. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. - [NTSB DEN05LA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN05LA131), Sep 2, 2005: Aerospatiale SA315B (N220SH), Duchesne, UT, substantial damage. Probable cause: the loss of control during external load operations for undetermined reasons. - [NTSB DEN02GA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN02GA085), Jul 31, 2002: Aerospatiale SA315B (N3978Y), Estes Park, CO, destroyed, 1 fatal. Probable cause: the pilot's abrupt collective input during water application to a forest fire. Contributing factors were encountering a vortex ring state, the inadvertent settling with power, the low altitude, and… - [NTSB ATL02LA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL02LA067), Mar 28, 2002: Aerospatiale AS315B (N49525), Hortense, GA, substantial damage. Probable cause: Failure of the engine to main transmission drive shaft due to improper installation by company maintenance personnel. A factor were the trees. - [NTSB DEN01LA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN01LA125), Jul 17, 2001: Aerospatiale SA315B (N2128Z), Cody, WY, substantial damage. Probable cause: the failure of the turbine assembly due to an over temperature condition. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing. - [NTSB ATL00LA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL00LA038), Mar 24, 2000: Aerospatiale SA315B (N230US), Springfield, GA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning resulting in fuel exhaustion. - [NTSB SEA99LA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA001), Oct 5, 1998: Aerospatiale SA-315B (N5803J), Big Sky, MT, destroyed. Probable cause: The failure of the ground handlers (chokers) to follow procedures, and separation of the tail rotor system. Contributing factors were incorrect long line hook (size), jamming of the hook release,… - [NTSB FTW98LA367](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA367), Aug 22, 1998: Aerospatiale SA315B (N49525), Naturita, CO, substantial damage. Probable cause: Partial loss of engine power resulting from heat induced deterioration of the gas generator turbine. Factors were a forced landing in hilly unsuitable terrain containing mature trees. - [NTSB MIA97LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97LA075), Jan 25, 1997: Aerospatiale SA315B (N707EX), Whiteville, NC, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's intentional operation of the helicopter with known deficiencies in equipment and a false indication of the fuel gauge, resulting in the total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.… - [NTSB FTW96WA310](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96WA310), Jun 30, 1996: Aerospatiale SA315B (N32074), La Peruanita, Peru, destroyed, 2 fatal - [NTSB ATL96LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL96LA020), Dec 11, 1995: Aerospatiale SA 315 (N27387), Manning, SC, substantial damage. Probable cause: The loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reason(s). - [NTSB LAX94LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA017), Oct 18, 1993: Aerospatiale SA-315 (N49511), Beckwourth, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: was the worn collective servo causing a hydraulic lock and not allowing the pilot to lower the collective. This condition caused the main rotor blades rpm to decay. - [NTSB SEA93LA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93LA209), Sep 24, 1993: Aerospatiale SA 315B (N351RM), Avery, ID, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE CYCLIC CONTROL. - [NTSB SEA92LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA076), Apr 13, 1992: Aerospatiale SA315B (N315DY), Magna, UT, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE OVERHEAT OF THE ENGINE COMBUSTION SECTION, AND THE FAILURE OF THE TURBINE BLADES. - [NTSB SEA90FA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90FA158), Aug 7, 1990: Aerospatiale SA315B (N351RM), Cougar, WA, destroyed. Probable cause: LOSS OF POWER DUE TO CONTAMINATION IN THE ENGINE SPEED GOVERNOR. - [NTSB ANC90LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC90LA135), Aug 7, 1990: Aerospatiale SA-315B (N58000), Tok, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE FUEL FILTER ELEMENT IN THE AIRCRAFT BY COMPANY/MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL, AND SUBSEQUENT CONTAMINATION OF THE FUEL SYSTEM BY UNFILTERED FUEL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT… - [NTSB DEN90FA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90FA115), May 23, 1990: Aerospatiale SA315B (N402AH), La Sal, UT, substantial damage. Probable cause: A FAILURE OF THE ENGINE SPEED GOVERNOR UNIT DUE TO IMPROPER STORAGE AND/OR INSPECTION OF THE SPEED GOVERNOR UNIT PRIOR TO PLACING IT IN SERVICE. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT CARRYING… - [NTSB ANC90LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC90LA045), Apr 6, 1990: Aerospatiale SA-315B (N37903), Trading Bay, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC). FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: SNOW COVERED TERRAIN, ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND SPATIAL DISORIENTATION OF… - [NTSB SEA88LA129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA129), Jul 13, 1988: Aerospatiale SA315B (N3128G), Oakridge, OR, destroyed - [NTSB DEN88FA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88FA151), Jul 10, 1988: Aerospatiale SA-315B (N47274), Dubois, WY, substantial damage - [NTSB ANC88LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC88LA046), Apr 18, 1988: Aerospatiale SA315B (N65185), Near Central, AK, substantial damage - [NTSB SEA87LA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA092), May 13, 1987: Aerospatiale SA315-D Lama (N47256), Siletz, OR, destroyed - [NTSB DEN86LA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA082), Feb 20, 1986: Aerospatiale SA315B (N27387), Meeker, CO, substantial damage - [NTSB DEN85FA241](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85FA241), Sep 14, 1985: Aerospatiale SA315B (N3836E), Craig, CO, destroyed, 1 fatal - [NTSB DEN85LA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA057), Jan 3, 1985: Aerospatiale SA315B (N1356A), Salt Lake City, UT, destroyed - [NTSB DEN85IA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85IA025), Nov 11, 1984: Aerospatiale SA315B (Lama) (N5785V), Oak City, UT, incident, minor damage - [NTSB DEN84LA292](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA292), Sep 17, 1984: Aerospatiale SA315B Lama (N49532), Mountain View, WY, substantial damage - [NTSB DEN84LA286](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA286), Sep 7, 1984: Aerospatiale SA315B (N62338), Lyman, WY, substantial damage - [NTSB DEN84LA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA175), Jun 10, 1984: Aerospatiale SA-315B (N29907), Salina, UT, substantial damage - [NTSB SEA83LA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA83LA170), Aug 7, 1983: Aerospatiale SA-315B (N49532), Montpelier, ID, substantial damage - [NTSB DEN83LA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LA095), Mar 30, 1983: Aerospatiale SA 315B (N5770F), Craig, CO, no damage - [NTSB DEN82DA159](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DA159), Aug 9, 1982: Aerospatiale SA-315B (N10067), Afton, WY, destroyed - [NTSB DEN82DA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DA126), Jul 2, 1982: Aerospatiale SA 315B (N49532), Big Piney, WY, substantial damage - [NTSB DEN82DA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DA118), Jun 26, 1982: Aerospatiale SA 315 B (N221RM), 35 Se Moab, UT, substantial damage - [NTSB DEN82DTI15](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DTI15), Jun 16, 1982: Aerospatiale SA 315B (N5785V), White Sulphur S, MT, destroyed - [NTSB DEN82FTM13](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82FTM13), Jun 3, 1982: Aerospatiale 315B (N8237), Coalville, UT, substantial damage - [NTSB DEN82FTC03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82FTC03), Apr 20, 1982: Aerospatiale SA315B (N9007N), Big Piney, WY, destroyed - [NTSB DEN82DA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DA088), Apr 15, 1982: Aerospatiale SA315B (N48089), Thayne, WY, substantial damage - [NTSB DEN82FTM05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82FTM05), Nov 21, 1981: Aerospatle 315B (N47273), Cedar City, UT, substantial damage - [NTSB SEA81DYA27](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA81DYA27), Aug 30, 1981: Aerospatle SA316B (N84850), Driggs, ID, substantial damage - [NTSB DEN80FA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN80FA052), Aug 1, 1980: Aerospatial SA315 (N47294), Meeteetse, WY, destroyed, 2 fatal - [NTSB DEN80FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN80FA051), Jul 28, 1980: Aerospatle 315B (N67103), Dell, MT, substantial damage, 1 fatal - [NTSB DEN80FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN80FA038), Jun 11, 1980: Alouette SA315B (N10067), Jackson, WY, substantial damage - [NTSB SEA80DYM10](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA80DYM10), Dec 17, 1979: Aerospatle SA315B (N55963), Mill City, OR, substantial damage - [NTSB LAX80DXQ02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX80DXQ02), Nov 7, 1979: Aerospatile 315B (N3593Z), Nells, NV, substantial damage - [NTSB SEA80FA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA80FA002), Oct 8, 1979: Aerospatial SA315B (N219RM), Swan Valley, ID, destroyed, 2 fatal All 56: https://openairdocs.org/model/aerospatiale-sa315b/ntsb.md ## FAA accident and incident reports (60, newest 50) From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [Accident 20240527017939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20240527017939A), May 27, 2024: Aerospatiale SA315B (N57948), Hilldale, UT, Substantial damage. On may 27, 2024, at approximately 0800 mtn, aircraft flew to a local ranch and landed in a field to provide a ride to 3 passengers. Shortly after departure,… - [Accident 20121019025709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20121019025709A), Oct 19, 2012: Aerospatiale SA315B (N57948), Helena, OK, Substantial damage. Description: while conducting CFR 133 operations the pilot stated he landed the aircraft into the wind on flat ground to reset a cone that had been blown over… - [Accident 20100907048869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100907048869A), Sep 7, 2010: Aerospatial SA315B (N17285), Winters, CA, Destroyed. N17285 SA-315-B lama helicopter lost engine power / RPM after take-off climb to transitioning to forward flight. Resulted in the helicopter impacting hard on… - [Accident 20070714012599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070714012599A), Jul 14, 2007: Aerosp SA315B (N5770F), Stuart, OK, Substantial damage. (-23) Aircraft was connected to a 120' longline and was just about to reposition a drill which weighed about 1,500 lbs. Just as he lifted the load a few… - [Accident 20050902019329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050902019329A), Sep 2, 2005: Aerosp SA315B (N220SH), Duchesne, UT, Substantial damage. (-23) N220SH, a aerospatiale SA-315-B crashed near Duchesne, Utah approximately 1210 mountain time. The helicopter was performing a 133 operation when the… - [Accident 20020730021349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020730021349A), Jul 30, 2002: Aerosp SA315B (N3978Y), Estespark, CO, No damage, 1 fatal. (-23) Fatal helicopter accident involving N3978Y, an aerospatiale SA315B lama, at the big elk incident, within arapahoe-roosevelt national forest on July 30,… - [Accident 20020328006069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020328006069A), Mar 28, 2002: Aerosp SA315B (N49525), Nanhunta, GA, No damage. (-23) Shortly after takeoff, at approximately 150 ft altitude, speed between 30 and 40 knots, power to the rotor system was lost. Power started to bleed off.… - [Incident 20010729021619I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010729021619I), Jul 29, 2001: Aerosp SA315B (N5803X), Big Timber, MT, Minor damage. (-23) Pilot stated it is his belief basket attached to skid was not fully emptied by ground crew prior to his being given signal to lift off of fire bast… - [Accident 20010717017939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010717017939A), Jul 17, 2001: Aerosp SA315B (N2128Z), Cody, WY, No damage. (-23) Pilot stated he was in a stabilized hover while his 50 foot line was being attached to a load. He heard two loud pops and started to lose power. He… - [Accident 20000324006329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000324006329A), Mar 24, 2000: N230US, Springfield, GA, No damage. (-23) Notified of accident at approxiamtely 1400 hours on 03/24/00. Traveled from airframe components in garden city, GA to Springfield,GA. The crash site was… - [Accident 19981005028299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19981005028299A), Oct 5, 1998: Aerosp SA315B (N5803J), Big Sky, MT, Substantial damage. Helicopter involved in a logging operation and was attempting to lift a log when the wind blew the acft down to the ground with the log still partially… - [Accident 19980822021559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980822021559A), Aug 22, 1998: Aerosp SA315B (N49525), Nucla, CO, Substantial damage. Helicopter was either lifting or settling down a power unit when the acft lost power at 200 feet AGL and landed hard on the skids. (-23)the aircraft lost power… - [Accident 19970125000869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970125000869A), Jan 25, 1997: Aerosp SA315B (N707EX), Whiteville, NC, Substantial damage. Lost power on long line bucket spraying. Hard landing. Choped tailboom. Fuel gauge struck at full with tank empty. (-23) helicopter was flying an aerial… - [Incident 19960318021139I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960318021139I), Mar 18, 1996: Aerosp SA315B (N3599D), Farmington, NM. Narrative: 2nd class medical 9/25/95. While sling loading to a seismic site about 50 yards ahead of the helicopter, the sling (steel longline) hit a powerline.… - [Accident 19951211040239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951211040239A), Dec 11, 1995: Aerosp SA315B (N27387), Manning, SC, Substantial damage. Lost power on takeoff. Entered autorotation but too low hit trees on descent. No engine defects found. - [Accident 19931018039759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19931018039759A), Oct 18, 1993: Aerosp SA315B (N49511), Beckwourth, CA, Substantial damage. Heard noise on long lift. Pitched up swung left and right lost rotor RPM. Fell into trees. Collective servo failed. - [Accident 19930924036409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930924036409A), Sep 24, 1993: Aerosp SA315B (N351RM), Avery, ID, Substantial damage. While loading personnel from logging site idlin rotors struck tree stump. Helicopter began spin. Rolled down hills. - [Accident 19920413009719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920413009719A), Apr 13, 1992: Aerosp SA315B (N315DY), Magna, UT, Substantial damage. Engine was over tempted during attempt to hoist a overload. Flames turbine pieces from exhaust. Crash onto load. - [Accident 19900807031499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900807031499A), Aug 7, 1990: Aerosp SA315B (N58000), Tok, AK, Substantial damage. Engine quit at hover with external load. Made hard landing. Fuel filter element installed upside down by pilot. - [Accident 19900807030939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900807030939A), Aug 7, 1990: Aerosp SA315B (N351RM), Cougar, WA, Destroyed. Lost power while hovering with a sling load of logs. Dropped into trees. Found contamination in speed governor. - [Incident 19900623036639I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900623036639I), Jun 23, 1990: Aerosp SA315B (N15DY), Denver, CO. Noise complaint about helicopter operating at low altitude. Was on survey with waiver and under approach control. - [Accident 19900523017119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900523017119A), May 23, 1990: Aerosp SA315B (N402AH), La Sal, UT, Substantial damage. Engine went to flight idle with sling load. Autorotated. Ground crew on load. No 133 license. Speed governor defect - [Accident 19900405007669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900405007669A), Apr 5, 1990: Aerosp SA315B (N37903), Trading Bay, AK, Substantial damage. Encountered whiteout conditions. Got vertigo. Elected to land in snow. Impacted and main rotors chopped tail boom. - [Accident 19880713026499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880713026499A), Jul 13, 1988: Aerosp SA315B (N3128G), Oakridge, OR, Destroyed. Log on sling line caught on a tree,released log but sling line caught in a tree. Pulled helicopter down into trees. - [Accident 19880710026019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880710026019A), Jul 10, 1988: Aerosp SA315B (N47274), Dubois, WY, Destroyed. Engine failed during sling load at hover. Dropped line and autorotated into trees. Engine fire damage. Undetermined - [Accident 19880417009549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880417009549A), Apr 17, 1988: Aerosp SA315B (N65185), Central, AK, Substantial damage. Refueling with engine rotor blades at full RPM.aircraft became airborne during crew change. Aircraft rolled over. - [Accident 19870513016029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870513016029A), May 13, 1987: Aerosp SA315B (N47256), Siletz, OR, Destroyed. The helicopter lost control when the lift cable contacted the tail rotor. The load had been improperly secured. - [Accident 19860805075769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860805075769A), Aug 5, 1986: Aerosp SA315B (N90530), Delta, CO, Destroyed, 3 fatal. The helicopter struck a powerline obscured by the sun. The reason for the pilot choosing this route is undetermined - [Accident 19860220004799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860220004799A), Feb 20, 1986: Aerosp SA315B (N27387), Meeker, CO, Substantial damage. During liftoff to a hover, the right skid caught a cable that was buried in the snow, causing a dynamic rollover. - [Accident 19850914044849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850914044849A), Sep 14, 1985: Aerosp SA315B (N3836E), Craig, CO, Destroyed. Noise and flames from engine during external load operation. Found failed turbine section after tree ground impact. - [Accident 19850103000559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850103000559A), Jan 3, 1985: Aerosp SA315B (N1356A), Salt Lake City, UT, Destroyed. Attempted to pull out snowcat stuck in mud. Exceeded helicopter lateral CG, impacted shallow water on right side. - [Incident 19841111075701I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841111075701I), Nov 11, 1984: Aerosp SA315B (N5785V), Oak City, UT, Minor damage. Main rotor blade tip struck cockpit of N9362 in flight. Landed safely. - [Accident 19840917049409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840917049409A), Sep 17, 1984: Aerosp SA315B (N49532), Mountain View, WY, Substantial damage. Engine failed after liftoff in hover with external load. Compressor blade fatigue and soft pins contributed. - [Accident 19840907051549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840907051549A), Sep 7, 1984: Aerosp SA315B (N62338), Lyman, WY, Substantial damage. Part of o ring was found in a spring next to fuel ports in fuel speed governor. Autorotation caused damage. - [Accident 19840610071349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840610071349A), Jun 10, 1984: Aerosp SA315B (N29907), Salina, UT, Substantial damage. Loud pop and left yaw preceded power failure on a maintenance test flight. Rolled on landing. Cause undertermined. - [Incident 19831020069779I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831020069779I), Oct 20, 1983: Aerosp SA315B (N47274), Ephraim, UT, Minor damage. Compressor stall during external load. Load and heilcopter set down hard. Engine showed over temp. Problem unknown. - [Incident 19830908063759I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830908063759I), Sep 8, 1983: Aerosp SA315B (N5785V), Erie, CO, Minor damage. Instructor not riding collective lever properly. Student pulled the pitch slightly prematurely. Had hard landing. - [Accident 19830807039859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830807039859A), Aug 7, 1983: Aerosp SA315B (N49532), Montpelier, ID, Substantial damage. Helicopter collided with wires during low level search operation. According to pilot he was preparing to land. - [Accident 19830401014819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830401014819A), Apr 1, 1983: Aerosp SA315B (N5770F), Craig, CO. During a long line external load operation, a cable dragging below helicopter injured ground crewman. - [Accident 19820809035279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820809035279A), Aug 9, 1982: Aerosp SA315B (N10067), Afton, WY, Destroyed. Engine failure on long line operation. Crashed into trees. Engine suffered compressor blade fatigue failure. - [Accident 19820702028239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820702028239A), Jul 2, 1982: Aerosp SA315B (N49532), Big Piney, WY, Substantial damage. Long line caught on a tree on takeoff causing helicopter to crash out of control. Failed to disconnect line. - [Accident 19820626028509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820626028509A), Jun 26, 1982: Aerosp SA315B (N221RM), Moab, UT, Substantial damage. Engine failed during hover with a sling load. Crashed in a ravine. Compressor inlet case corroded, compressor stall - [Accident 19820616022519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820616022519A), Jun 16, 1982: Aerosp SA315B (N5785V), White Sulphur S, MT, Substantial damage. Made takeoff, forgot sling line was attached to dog house. Stopped climbing at end of line. Crashed on dog house. - [Accident 19820603021059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820603021059A), Jun 3, 1982: Aerosp SA315B (N8237), Coalville, UT, Substantial damage. RPM decayed while maneuvering a sling load. Crashed on a hillside. No engine problem. Governor,fuel control suspected. - [Accident 19820515015949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820515015949A), May 15, 1982: Aerosp SA315B (N48089), Thayne, WY, Substantial damage. Tail rotor drive broke at aft bearing during sling load hover. Bearing housing showed rotational elongated wear. - [Accident 19811121074759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19811121074759A), Nov 21, 1981: Aerosp SA315B (N47273), Cedar City, UT, Substantial damage. Lost control of helicopter on test runup after maintenance. Lifted off. Struck a truck. Control push pull backwards - [Accident 19810830053519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19810830053519A), Aug 30, 1981: Aerosp SA316B (N84850), Driggs, ID, Substantial damage. Helicopter crashed after loss of antitorque control. Investigation revealed failed coupling in tail boom. - [Accident 19800801090309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19800801090309A), Aug 1, 1980: Aerosp SA315B (N47294), Meeteetse, WY, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Pilot attempted takeoff in turbulent conditions and crashed on slope in immediate vicinity. - [Accident 19800728032339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19800728032339A), Jul 28, 1980: Aerosp SA315B (N67103), Dell, MT, Destroyed. Lost tail rotor drive on liftoff. Spun to ground. Loose bevel gear in tail rotor drive wore splined shaft. - [Accident 19800611082999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19800611082999A), Jun 11, 1980: Aerosp SA315B (N10067), Jackson, WY, Substantial damage. Compressor stall, engine fire during high altitude hover. Crash landed. Sand and dirt ingestion eroded vanes. All 60: https://openairdocs.org/model/aerospatiale-sa315b/incidents.md ## Service difficulty reports (28) As reported by operators and repair stations, by the model named in the report. - [SDR CA110329002](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA110329002), Mar 15, 2011: GUARD. CRACKED. (CAN) TAIL ROTOR GUARD FOUND CRACKED AT UPPER MID ATTACHMENT POINT DURING GROUND HANDLING. GUARD REPLACED WITH SERVICEABLE PART. - [SDR CA101005001](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA101005001), Sep 18, 2010: CELL. FAILED. (CAN) THE AIRCRAFT WAS PERFORMING AERIAL FERTILIZATION OPERATIONS. THE HYDRAULIC LOAD CELL THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE CARGO HOOK FAILED INTERNALLY. THIS FAILURE AL - [SDR CA090626007](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA090626007), Dec 31, 2008: SEAL. LEAKING. (CAN) DUE TO OIL DILUTION OF FUEL, ENG WAS REMOVED FROM SERVICE AND RETURNED TO HELI-SUPPORT. OIL DILUTION MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY LEAKING JET BOX SEAL. ENG LOG - [SDR CA050722002](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA050722002), Jun 23, 2005: FITTING. BROKEN. (CAN) COMPOSITE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH STC SR00124LA-D. THE R/H REAR ATTACHMENT LUG WAS FOUND TO BE BROKEN COMPLETELY OFF AT THE SPA - [SDR 2003FA0000690](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2003FA0000690), Jun 20, 2003: FITTING. BROKEN. RIGHT HAND AFT (T) FITTING BROKEN. THIS FITTING IS ONE OF FOUR THAT ATTACHES THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER TO THE TAILBOOM. NO ABNORMAL VIBRATIONS. CAUSE UNKNOWN, N - [SDR FF6R112448](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/FF6R112448), Aug 1, 2002: BEARING. ROUGH. BEARINGS ARE NOTCHY. PILOT CANNOT MOVE TAIL ROTOR PEDAL, SMOOTHLY. - [SDR CA010313025](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA010313025), Feb 26, 2001: GUARD. CRACKED. (CAN) WHILE CLEANING AIRCRAFT, AME FOUND CRACK COMING FROM UNDER BOTTOM CLAMP.NEW TAIL ROTOR GUARD WAS INSTALLED. - [SDR 20001214SH024](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/20001214SH024), Nov 28, 2000: BLADE. CRACKED. DURING POST-FLIGHT INSPECTION, A 2.50 INCH CHORDWISE CRACK WAS FOUND APPROXIMATELY .50 INCH INBOARD FROM THE TRAILING EDGE AND 14 INCHES FROM THE TIP OF THE BLA - [SDR 20001030SH029](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/20001030SH029), Oct 30, 2000: BLADE. MISSING. EXCESSIVE VIBRATION DURING ENGINE RUN-UP. REMOVED ENGINE FOR TEAR-DOWN INSPECTION. FOUND ONE EACH MISSING BLADE AND SEVERAL OTHERS DAMAGED ON 2 INCH STAGE TURBI - [SDR 20000427SH025](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/20000427SH025), Mar 24, 2000: BEAM. CRACKED. A CRACK-LIKE INDICATION WAS FOUND ON THE INSIDE CURVE, PERPENDICULAR TO THE EDGE. THIS PART WAS TESTED IAW ASTM E-144-94A. (X) - [SDR 99ZZZX347](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/99ZZZX347), Nov 5, 1998: BEARING. ROUGH. PILOT REPORTED TAIL ROTOR PEDALS ARE STIFF AND NOTCHY. MECHANIC REPORTED NOTCHED BEARINGS WHEN P/C LINK DISCONNECTED AND T/R BLADES ARE ROTATED. REPLACED 3 EACH - [SDR CA981006007](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA981006007), Sep 24, 1998: WIRE. FAILED. (CAN) ON START-UP, BURNING SMELL AND SPARKS NOTICED AND ENGINE SHUTDOWN. HISSING SOUND WAS HEARD AND 'VIDEO' PRESSURE INDICATOR SHOWED 'RED'. A WIRE RUNNING FRO - [SDR 98ZZZX3259](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/98ZZZX3259), Jul 10, 1998: AIR INTAKE. CRACKED. TWO UPPER AND 4 LOWER AIR INTAKE HALVES CRACKED AT MOUNTING POINTS. THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM AND HAS BEEN NOTED ON NUMEROUS AIRCRAFT. SUGGEST A REINFORCED MO - [SDR 98ZZZX3258](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/98ZZZX3258), Jul 10, 1998: BEARING SUPPORT. CRACKED. STARTER/GENERATOR MOUNTING FLANGE CRACKED. AIRCRAFT VIBRATION LEVELS EXCESSIVE DUE TO LACK OF PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE. - [SDR HEEA0012462](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/HEEA0012462), Jan 6, 1998: GEARBOX. CORRODED. MAIN GRBOX CASE CORROSION. - [SDR HEEA0011987](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/HEEA0011987), Nov 13, 1997: STABILIZER. CRACKED. STABILIZER CRACKED AT FLANGE. - [SDR HEEA0011986](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/HEEA0011986), Nov 13, 1997: BOOM ASSY. BENT. TAIL BOOM BENT TUBES. - [SDR HEEA0011797](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/HEEA0011797), Nov 5, 1997: GEARBOX. MAKING METAL. MAIN GR BOX MAKING METAL. - [SDR HEEA0011389](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/HEEA0011389), Oct 9, 1997: SHAFT ASSY. MAKING METAL. M/R SHAFT MAKING METAL. - [SDR HEEA0011386](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/HEEA0011386), Oct 9, 1997: SHAFT ASSY. BEARING ROUGH. M/R SHAFT ASSY ROUGH BEARINGS. - [SDR CA970820004](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA970820004), Aug 12, 1997: BURNER CAN. BURNED. (CAN) INCREASE IN T4 TEMPERATURE LEAD TO INVESTIGATION AND A HOLE WAS FOUND BURNED THROUGH BURNER CAN. ENGINE WAS REMOVED FOR REPAIR. - [SDR HAIHEEA9915](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/HAIHEEA9915), May 21, 1997: GPS 150. MALFUNCTION. NAV AND WPT BUTTONS WON'T WORK. - [SDR 98ZZZX2783](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/98ZZZX2783), Jan 21, 1997: SPAR. CRACKED. SPAR TUBE CRACKED AT RT MOUNTING HOSE, CRACK ORIGINATES AT MOUNTING HOLE AND EXTENDS IN BOTH DIRECTION COVERING 50 PERCENT OF NBE CIRCUMFERENCE. THIS DEFECT WAS - [SDR 97ZZZX952](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/97ZZZX952), Jan 21, 1997: SPAR. CRACKED. SPAR TUBE CRACKED AT RT MOUNTING HOLE, CRACK ORIGINATES AT MOUNTING HOLE AND EXTENDS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS COVERING 50 PERCENT OF TUBE CIRCUMFERENCE. THIS DEFECT W - [SDR HEEA968663](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/HEEA968663), Dec 10, 1996: ENGINE. MAKING METAL. ENGINE IS MAKING METAL. - [SDR HEEA968176](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/HEEA968176), Oct 10, 1996: TRANSCEIVER. FAILED. DOES NOT TRANSMIT OR RECEIVE. - [SDR CA960412005](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA960412005), Mar 31, 1996: BLADE. VIBRATING. (CAN)MAIN ROTOR BLADES WERE REMOVED TO DO HIGH VERTICAL VIBRATION. ALTHOUGH TRACK WAS OK, THE VIBRATION SEEMED TO GET PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. REPLACEMENT BLADES P/ - [SDR CA960223007](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA960223007), Feb 13, 1996: ENGINE. OIL LEAK. (CAN) UPON LANDING, AME NOTICED LARGE AMOUNT OF OIL ON ENGINE DECK AND WITH FURTHER INVESTIGATION, FOUND EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL IN TAIL PIPE. ENGINE REMOVED AN ## The same model under other registry codes Amateur-built copies and renamed makers get their own codes. - [Eurocopter SA315B](https://openairdocs.org/model/eurocopter-sa315b): 2 registered aircraft, registry code 8680993 --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.