# NTSB CHI82DA150: Sikorsky S-55B, N16861, Otsego, OH, May 4, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 4, 1982, 17:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Otsego, OH
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 4, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72120
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI82DA150
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72120/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI82DA150

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, hover
  - ignition system,ignition switch - failure,partial (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS SPREADING FERTILIZER BY USING EXTERNAL BUCKETS. AS HE WAS UNHOOKING A BUCKET, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. HE DID A HOVERING AUTOROTATION, BUT THE HELICOPTER SETTLED ON A BUCKET, TIPPED OVER AND ALLOWED THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES TO HIT THE GROUND. AN EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE ENGINE HAD MECHANICAL CONTINUITY AND THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS CLEAN AND WORKING PROPERLY. HOWEVER, EVIDENCE OF ARCING WAS FOUND IN THE MAGNETO SWITCH CASE. ALSO, SIGNS WERE FOUND THAT INDICATED MOISTURE HAD BEEN PRESENT IN THE SWITCH. REPORTEDLY, THE ENGINE OPERATED NORMALLY AFTER THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N16861](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N16861-2011-04-20), registration cancelled 2011-04-20, S/N 55-729, built 1954 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SIKORSKY S-55B
- Registry model: [Sikorsky S-55B](https://openairdocs.org/model/sikorsky-s-55b) (registry code 8141604) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Wright C7BA series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/wright-c7ba-series) (registry code 67017, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 55-729
- Airframe hours: 4675
- Engines: WRIGHT C7BA 800 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 137
- Operator: Harral Helicopter
- Registered owner: Harral Helicopter
- Departed: OTSEGO, OH
- Destination: OTSEGO, OH

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 3,300 total, 1,032 in this make and model, 3,182 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Temperature: 172 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19820504013849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820504013849A), May 4, 1982: Skrsky S55B, Otsego, OH, Substantial damage. Engine quit while hovering to unhook fertilizer bucket. Landed on bucket and rolled over. Moisture in magneto switch.

## Other investigations on N16861 (2)

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 CHI80FEK18](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI80FEK18), Jul 2, 1980: Sikorsky S-55B (N16861), Rushville, OH, substantial damage
- [NTSB NYC70DHA10](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC70DHA10), May 1, 1970: Sikorsky S-55B (N16861), Scotrun, PA, destroyed

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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