# NTSB FTW83LA365: Sikorsky S-58, N2518M, Westwego, LA, August 5, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 5, 1983, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Westwego, LA
- Coordinates: 29.900627, -90.139244 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.9006&lon=-90.1392&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21000
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA365
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21000/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA365

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, hover
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS BEING USED TO STRING POWER LINES BY CARRYING A 500 LB WT, TO WHICH, THE RESPECTIVE WIRE WAS ATTACHED. WHILE HOVERING AT ABOUT 120 FT AGL & IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO A POWER LINE TOWER, THE ENG LOSS POWER ABRUPTLY. AN AUTOROTATIVE LANDING WAS MADE & THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD & WAS DAMAGED. AN EXAM OF THE ENG & FUEL SYS REVEALED NO DISCREPANCIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2518M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2518M-1995-04-25), registration cancelled 1995-04-25, S/N 58336 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SIKORSKY S-58
- Registry model: [Sikorsky S-58E](https://openairdocs.org/model/sikorsky-s-58e) (registry code 8141809) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 58-336
- Airframe hours: 7423
- Engines: P&W R-1820 1425 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 133
- Operator: Imperial Intl. Inc.
- Registered owner: Sheldon A. Mortenson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: AAIP, July 25, 1983

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 3,600 total, 117 in this make and model, 3,460 as pilot in command, 126 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 75 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: NEW, 16 nm away

## 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 19830805039179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830805039179A), Aug 5, 1983: Skrsky S58, Westwego, LA, Substantial damage. Engine quit while stringing a powerline. Helicopter settled into a bayou. Cause of power loss undetermined.

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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