# NTSB ATL96LA020: Aerospatiale SA 315, N27387, Manning, SC, December 11, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: December 11, 1995, 09:30 local (14:30 UTC) - Place: Manning, SC - Coordinates: 33.689338, -80.20977 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6893&lon=-80.2098&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report June 6, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 3677 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL96LA020 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3677/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL96LA020 ## Probable cause The loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reason(s). ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, maneuvering - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, descent - emergency - autorotation - performed, pilot in command - In flight collision with object, emergency landing - object - tree(s) - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing ## Analysis The pilot reported a total loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff. He attempted an autorotation, but the helicopter impacted trees and terrain during a forced landing. Examination of the helicopter engine did not reveal any discrepancies that would have caused the engine to lose power. The engine was placed in a test cell, and it ran normally. ## Factual narrative On December 11, 1995, at 0930 eastern standard time, an Aerospatiale SA 315 Lama helicopter, was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain during takeoff near Manning, South Carolina. The commercial pilot received minor injuries in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 137 by Gold Kist, Incorporated of Moultrie, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed for the local aerial application flight. The pilot stated that during takeoff, at about 50 feet above ground level, the aircraft engine lost power. He attempted an autorotation, but impacted trees during the descent. Detailed examination of the engine revealed no discrepancies that would have caused the aircraft engine to loose power. The engine was removed from the wreckage, and placed in a test cell. The engine performed within acceptable manufacturer's standards. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N27387](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N27387-1998-04-14), registration cancelled 1998-04-14, S/N 2625 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Aerospatiale SA 315 - Registry model: [Aerospatiale SA315B](https://openairdocs.org/model/aerospatiale-sa315b) (registry code 8680615) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 2625 - Airframe hours: 9267 - Engines: Turbomeca ARTOUSTE IIIB 590 horsepower turbo shaft - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Operator: Gold Kist, Inc. - Registered owner: Roberts Aircraft Co. - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: 100 hour, May 1, 1995, 28 hours before - Departed: NONE - Destination: NONE ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 35; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 4,888 total, 500 in this make and model, 4,565 as pilot in command, 125 in the last 90 days, 66 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 270° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 28 °F, dew point 16 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: CAE, 35 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 19951211040239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951211040239A), Dec 11, 1995: Aerosp SA315B, Manning, SC, Substantial damage. Lost power on takeoff. Entered autorotation but too low hit trees on descent. No engine defects found. ## Other investigations on N27387 (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 DEN86LA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA082), Feb 20, 1986: Aerospatiale SA315B (N27387), Meeker, CO, 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. --- 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.