# NTSB FTW84FA189: Aerospatiale AS 355F, N5791Z, W Cameron 540, April 5, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 4, 1984, 18:10 local (Apr 5, 1984, 00:10 UTC)
- Place: W Cameron 540
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Safety recommendations: Yes
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21111
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW84FA189
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21111/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84FA189

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - airport facility (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water,rough

## Analysis

WHILE THE PLT WAS TAKING OFF FROM AN UNMANNED RIG, THE TAIL SECTION OF THE HELICOPTER CONTACTED A ROTATING BEACON SUPPORT BRACKET ON TOP OF A CRANE STRUCTURE. THE CRANE STRUCTURE WAS LOCATED BELOW THE ELEVATION OF THE LANDING PAD. THE HELICOPTER THEN CRASHED INTO THE SURROUNDING WATER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5791Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5791Z-1988-11-30), registration cancelled 1988-11-30, S/N 5119 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AEROSPATIALE AS 355F
- Registry model: [Aerospatiale AS 355 F ECUREUIL](https://openairdocs.org/model/aerospatiale-as-355-f-ecureuil) (registry code 8680806) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20F 420 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Petroleum Helicopters Inc
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 7,207 total, 1,326 in this make and model, 6,774 as pilot in command, 187 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: 5RO, 17 nm away

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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