# NTSB DEN88LA145: Sikorsky S-58J, N62243, Sioux Falls, SD, July 5, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 5, 1988, 08:40 local (13:40 UTC)
- Place: Sioux Falls, SD
- Location: 43.5500° N, 96.7003° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Sioux Falls, SD, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.5500&lon=-96.7003&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 7, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17493
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN88LA145
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17493/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88LA145

## 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, takeoff - initial climb
  - accessory drive assy,drive shaft - sheared (cause)
  - load jettison - performed, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
  - altitude - inadequate (contributing factor)
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

N62243 WAS BEING USED TO LIFT AIR CONDITIONING UNITS TO THE TOP OF A SHOPPING MALL.  THE PLT STATED THAT HE WAS ON THE 16TH LIFT OF THE DAY AND HAD JUST TAKEN OFF WHEN HE HEARD TWO LOUD POPS AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER.  AFTER JETTISONING THE LOAD HE EXECUTED AN AUTOROTATIVE LANDING. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT THE AIRCRAFT MADE A VERY HARD LANDING. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE ACCESSORY DRIVE AND STARTER SHAFT HAD SHEARED ON THE FORWARD END, IN THE SPLINED AREA.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N62243](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N62243-2013-06-20), registration cancelled 2013-06-20, S/N 58756, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SIKORSKY S-58J
- Registry model: [Sikorsky S-58J](https://openairdocs.org/model/sikorsky-s-58j) (registry code 8141814) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 58-756
- Airframe hours: 3708
- Engines: WRIGHT R-1820-84C 1475 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 133
- Registered owner: Turner Copter Service Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 28, 1988, 12 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 12,208 total, 2,250 in this make and model, 10,307 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19880705027099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880705027099A), Jul 5, 1988: Skrsky S58J, Sioux Falls, SD, Substantial damage. Engine failed during an external load liftoff. Made hard autorotation landing. Accessory and starter shaft had failed

## Other investigations on N62243 (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 MKC85LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA029), Nov 28, 1984: Sikorsky S58J (N62243), Storm Lake, IA, no damage, 1 fatal

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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