# NTSB DEN82DA118: Aerospatiale SA 315 B, N221RM, 35 Se Moab, UT, June 26, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: June 26, 1982, 10:45 local (16:45 UTC)
- Place: 35 Se Moab, UT
- Coordinates: 38.5302, -109.549316 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5302&lon=-109.5493&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 26, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69646
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN82DA118
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69646/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DA118

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, hover
  - compressor assembly,casting - dirty(foggy) (cause)
  - maintenance,service of aircraft/equipment - inadequate, company maintenance personnel (cause)
  - compressor assembly - overtemperature (contributing factor)
  - turbine assembly,turbine wheel - overtemperature (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - load jettison - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)

## Analysis

HELICOPTER LIFTING SLING LOADS LOST POWER IN A HOVER. PILOT JETTISONED LOAD AND MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A RAVINE, ENGINE HAD DIRT BUILDUP AND EROSION IN THE COMPRESSOR INLET CASE WHICH LED TO COMPRESSOR STALL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N221RM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N221RM-1988-12-20), registration cancelled 1988-12-20, S/N 2481 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AEROSPATIALE SA 315 B
- Registry model: [Aerospatiale SA315B](https://openairdocs.org/model/aerospatiale-sa315b) (registry code 8680615) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2481
- Airframe hours: 5058
- Engines: TURBOMECA ARTOUSTE IIIB 858 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 133
- Operator: Rocky Mountain Helicopters
- Registered owner: Rocky Mountain Helicopters
- Departed: MOAB, UT
- Destination: NASSAU, BAHAMAS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 5,964 total, 1,969 in this make and model, 3,044 as pilot in command, 224 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 212 °F

## 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 19820626028509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820626028509A), Jun 26, 1982: Aerosp SA315B, Moab, UT, Substantial damage. Engine failed during hover with a sling load. Crashed in a ravine. Compressor inlet case corroded, compressor stall

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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