# NTSB LAX83FVG14: Sikorsky S-58, N9043P, Biggs, CA, July 14, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: July 14, 1983, 08:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Biggs, CA
- Coordinates: 39.420822, -121.669486 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.4208&lon=-121.6695&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23572
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83FVG14
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23572/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FVG14

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - performed, pilot in command
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Gear collapsed, takeoff
  - landing gear - overload
- Roll over, takeoff

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE BROUGHT THE HELICOPTER TO A HOVER IN THE LOADING AREA & EASED FORWARD TO THE RWY WHERE HE ATTEMPTED TO 'TRANSITION FROM A HOVER TO FLT.' HE BECAME AWARE THAT THE HELICOPTER WAS NOT GOING TO HAVE SUFFICIENT PERFORMANCE, SO HE ELECTED TO MAKE A ROLL-ON LANDING. HE REPORTED THAT DURING THE ABORTED TAKEOFF, GROUND RESONANCE OCCURRED. THE HELICOPTER BEGUN SHAKING FROM SIDE TO SIDE, THE LEFT GEAR FAILED & THE HELICOPTER WENT OVER ON ITS LEFT SIDE. THE TEMP WAS 85 DEG & THE WIND WAS NEARLY CALM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9043P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9043P-2017-02-28), registration cancelled 2017-02-28, S/N 137856, built 1955 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SIKORSKY S-58
- Registry model: [Sikorsky S-58B](https://openairdocs.org/model/sikorsky-s-58b) (registry code 8141804) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Wright R-1820 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/wright-r-1820-series) (registry code 67020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 58-012
- Airframe hours: 4431
- Engines: WRIGHT 1820-84 1275 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Moore Aviation Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 4, 1983, 6 hours before
- Airport: Jones Air Strip

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 10,584 total, 240 in this make and model, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 1 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °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 19830714059949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830714059949A), Jul 14, 1983: Skrsky S58B, Biggs, CA, Substantial damage. Ground resonance occured on rolling takeoff. Shook helicopter side to side. Left gear failed. Rolled on its side.

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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