# NTSB DEN85LA144: Continental Copters Tomcat Mark 5A/OH13H, N9081T, Freeman, SD, May 29, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 29, 1985, 17:25 local (22:25 UTC)
- Place: Freeman, SD
- Coordinates: 43.349075, -97.429092 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.3491&lon=-97.4291&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16685
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85LA144
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16685/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA144

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
  - procedures/directives - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - descent - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy

## Analysis

THE PLT SAID HE HAD COMPLETED 4 TO 5 SWATH RUNS (CROP SPRAYING MISSION). DURING A TURNING MANUEVER WITH A LEFT QUATERING TAIL WIND, FULL LEFT PEDAL,FULL PWR,THE HELICOPTER HAD A HIGH SINK RATE UNTIL GRD IMPACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9081T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9081T-2013-07-16), registration cancelled 2013-07-16, S/N CCI-77-1, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Continental Copters TOMCAT MARK 5A/OH13H (TOMCAT MAR)
- Registry model: [Continental Copters TOMCAT MK5A](https://openairdocs.org/model/continental-copters-tomcat-mk5a) (registry code 2390101) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TVO-435-GIA](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-tvo-435-gia) (registry code 41526, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: CC1-77-1
- Airframe hours: 324
- Engines: LYCOMING O-435-23 240 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Leland Cain
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 16, 1985
- Departed: PVT, FREEMAN, SD

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 1,486 total, 32 in this make and model, 1,191 as pilot in command, 32 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 315° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point -0 °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 19850529020529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850529020529A), May 29, 1985: Bell OH13HMK5A, Freeman, SD, Substantial damage. Settled with full power during sharp turnaround. Helicopter was straightened out but hit hard and flipped onto back.

## Other investigations on N9081T (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 CHI77DEV41](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI77DEV41), Aug 10, 1977: Continental 5A (N9081T), Warrensburg, IL, 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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