# NTSB ANC83FA126: Helio H395, N4156D, Fairbanks, AK, July 20, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 19, 1983, 18:35 local (Jul 20, 1983, 02:35 UTC)
- Place: Fairbanks, AK
- Coordinates: 64.810516, -147.720611 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=64.8105&lon=-147.7206&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4040
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC83FA126
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4040/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC83FA126

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - flight control,leading edge flap - separation (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - misc eqpt/furnishings,shoulder harness - improper

## Analysis

TAKEOFF WAS FROM A DIRT DRIVEWAY WHICH HAD A USABLE LENGTH 0F 330 FT BEFORE IT CURVED NORTH. BEFORE TAKEOFF, THE PLT HADBENT SEVERAL SMALL TREES BACK AWAY FROM THE DRIVEWAY & TIED THEM DOWN SO THEY WOULD NOT INTERFERE WITH THE TAKEOFF. THERE ARE NUMEROUS TREES SURROUNDING THE AREA, WITH AN OPENING AT THE DEPARTURE END OF AOUT 40 FT WIDE. THE WINGSPAN OF THE ACFT WAS 38 FT 6 INCHES. AS THE PLT TRIED TO FLY THRUUGH THE OPENING, THE LEFT WING CONTACTED A TALL TREE & THE LEADING EDGE SLAT SEPARATED. THE ACFT ROLLED & CRASHED INVERTED ONTO A GUARD RAIL OF AN ADJACENT HIGHWAY. THE ACFT WAS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMOBILE RESTRAINT SYSTEM. THE SHOULDER HARNESS ATTACHING BRACKET WAS LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE BENCHSEAT. THE SHOULDER HARNESS STRAP CAME LOOSE FROM THAT ATTACHING POINT DURING THE CRASH SEQUENCE. THE ACFT HAD BEEN REPORTEDLY REBUILT BY THE PLT WHO IS NOT AN A&P. THERE WERE RIVETS MISSING IN THE VERTICAL STABILIZER, & WHERE HOLES DIDN'T MATCH UP, NEW ONES WERE DRILLED & SCREWED TOGETHER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4156D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4156D-2012-11-20), registration cancelled 2012-11-20, S/N 508, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Helio H395
- Registry model: [Helio H-395](https://openairdocs.org/model/helio-h-395) (registry code 4300202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming GO-480 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-go-480-series) (registry code 41527, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 508
- Engines: LYCOMING GO-480-G1D6 295 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jack H. Freeman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FAI, 5 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19830719071279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830719071279A), Jul 19, 1983: Helio H395, Fairbanks, AK, Substantial damage. Pilot attempted takeoff from dirt driveway. Wing struck tree and swung aircraft around crashing into guardrail.

## Other investigations on N4156D (1)

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 ANC82DAG24](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC82DAG24), May 8, 1982: Helio H-395 (N4156D), Gulkana, AK, substantial damage

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.

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