# NTSB FTW82DA285: Aerospatiale AS-350D, N5771L, Gulf Of Mexico, July 19, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 19, 1982, 13:20 local (18:20 UTC)
- Place: Gulf Of Mexico
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 19, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70922
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82DA285
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70922/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82DA285

## 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, cruise - normal
  - reduction gear assy,reduction gear - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

DURING AN OVER WATER FLIGHT, THE ENGINE CHIP DETECTOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE ENGINE FAILED. THE PILOT MADE AN AUTOROTATIVE LANDING IN THE GULF OF MEXICO WITH NO FURTHER DAMAGE. ALL THREE ROTOR BLADES WERE FULL OF HOLES AND TEARS AND ONE BLADE HAD A PIECE OF THE ENGINE TAIL PIPE STUCK IN IT. THE FUSELAGE HAD SCHRAPNEL HOLES AND THE TAIL ROTOR DRIVE SHAFT WAS DISABLED. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE PTO GEAR, PN 4-081-120-08, IN THE ENGINE HAD FAILED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5771L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5771L-2009-06-23), registration cancelled 2009-06-23, S/N 1343, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AEROSPATIALE AS-350D
- Registry model: [S N I A S AS350D ASTAR](https://openairdocs.org/model/s-n-i-a-s-as350d-astar) (registry code 8680803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming LTS-101 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-lts-101-series) (registry code 41560, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1343
- Airframe hours: 1844
- Engines: LYCOMING LTS-101 675 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Petroleum Helicopter, Inc.
- Registered owner: Petroleum Helicopter, Inc.
- Departed: HIGH ISLAND BLK, GM
- Destination: CAMERON, LA
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 3,954 total, 722 in this make and model, 1,626 as pilot in command, 133 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 185 °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 19820719055669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820719055669A), Jul 19, 1982: Snias AS350D, Sabine Pass, LA, Substantial damage. Helicopter made autorotation landing in gulf. Float deflated during tow operation causing major damage.

## Other investigations on N5771L (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 LAX95LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA019), Oct 24, 1994: Eurocopter AS-350D (N5771L), Kaupo, HI, substantial damage. Probable cause: a total loss of engine power by the corrosion fatigue failure of the compressor impeller due to the failure of company maintenance personnel to perform the prescribed daily compressor wash procedures…
- [NTSB LAX94IA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94IA145), Feb 28, 1994: Aerospatiale AS-350D (N5771L), Huelo, HI, incident, minor damage. Probable cause: THE OPERATOR MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL'S INADEQUATE 100-HOUR INSPECTION. THE LOOSE FUEL CONTROL LINE FITTING, THE TREE STUMP, AND THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN WERE FACTORS IN THIS ACCIDENT.

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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