# NTSB DEN84LA230: Sikorsky S-55B, N24111, Richey, MT, July 20, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 20, 1984, 10:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Richey, MT
- Coordinates: 47.710914, -105.030548 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.7109&lon=-105.0305&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16438
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN84LA230
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16438/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA230

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (cause)
  - misc rotorcraft,tail boom - separation

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE LANDED IN A PASTURE WHERE HE INTENDED TO REFUEL. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, ONE OF THE WHEELS DROPPED INTO A HOLE, CAUSING THE MAIN ROTOR BLADE TO FLEX DOWNWARD AND SEVERE THE TAILBOOM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N24111](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N24111), registered now, S/N 55237, built 1955 (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: 55237
- Airframe hours: 3857
- Engines: CURTIS WRIGHT R-1300 800 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: James Roland Beck
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: AAIP, April 11, 1984, 110 hours before
- Departed: RICHEY, MT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 3,422 total, 65 in this make and model, 3,200 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 225° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19840720033849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840720033849A), Jul 20, 1984: Skrsky S55B, Richey, MT, Substantial damage. Dropped a wheel in a hole while landing in a field to check fuel status. Main rotors chopped off the tail boom.

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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