# NTSB LAX87DJA08: Emair MA-1B, N9924M, Pahala, HI, August 13, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: August 13, 1987, 08:26 local (18:26 UTC)
- Place: Pahala, HI
- Coordinates: 19.199575, -155.480346 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=19.1996&lon=-155.4803&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25294
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87DJA08
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25294/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DJA08

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - roll/run
  - landing gear,main gear strut scissors - sheared (cause)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - directional control - not possible
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled
- Nose down, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION OPERATION, WHILE TAKING OFF, THE AIRCRAFT VEERED OFF THE RUNWAY AND CAME TO REST NOSE DOWN. INSPECTION OF THE LANDING GEAR REVEALED THAT THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR SCISSOR BOLT BROKE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9924M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9924M-2002-12-02), registration cancelled 2002-12-02, S/N 024, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: EMAIR MA-1B
- Registry model: [Emroth-Emair MA-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/emroth-emair-ma-1) (registry code 3280101) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter, amateur-built
- Serial number: 024
- Airframe hours: 3547
- Engines: WRIGHT R-1820-202A 900 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Murray Air Ltd.
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 18, 1987, 24 hours before
- Airport: Duster Strip

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 6,550 total, 24,000 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 50 °F

## 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 19870813062649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870813062649A), Aug 13, 1987: Emair MA1, Pahala, HI, Substantial damage. Bolt on left gear scissors broke, causing the agricultural spray aircraft to veer off the runway on takeoff.

## Other investigations on N9924M (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 LAX87DJA09](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DJA09), Sep 11, 1987: Emair MA-1-B (N9924M), Paauilo, HI, substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX85FJA01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FJA01), Jan 30, 1985: Emair MA-1 (N9924M), Paanilo, HI, substantial damage

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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