# NTSB LAX88DUQ04: Texas Helicopter M74A, N51862, Lancaster, CA, August 19, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: August 19, 1988, 09:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Lancaster, CA
- Coordinates: 34.720176, -118.149284 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7202&lon=-118.1493&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25738
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88DUQ04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25738/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DUQ04

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - rotorcraft flight control,cyclic control - disconnected (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT, JUST AFTER TAKEOFF, THE NOSE OF THE HELICOPTER SUDDENLY PITCHED UP. THE PILOT REDUCED POWER TO KEEP FROM CLIMBING. THE FORE/AFT CYCLIC CONTROL HAD NO EFFECT. THE HELICOPTER SETTLED TO THE GROUND RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. INSPECTION OF THE FORE/AFT CONTROL LINKAGE, REVEALED THAT A BOLT WAS MISSING BETWEEN THE SWASH PLATE AND THE PUSH PULL TUBE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N51862](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N51862-2013-04-01), registration cancelled 2013-04-01, S/N 79-028, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: TEXAS HELICOPTER M74A
- Registry model: [Texas Helicopter OH-13H/M74A](https://openairdocs.org/model/texas-helicopter-oh-13h-m74a) (registry code 8930105) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 79-028
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435 240 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Aerohead Helicopters
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 28, 1988, 45 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 9,500 total, 2,200 in this make and model, 9,190 as pilot in command, 240 in the last 90 days, 85 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19880819034339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880819034339A), Aug 19, 1988: Bell OH13M74TEXH, Lancaster, CA, Substantial damage. Nose pitched straight up. Lost control. Hit ground. A bolt was missing between the swash plate and push pull tube.

## Other investigations on N51862 (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 LAX86LUG01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LUG01), Oct 19, 1985: Texas Helicopter M74A (N51862), Daggett, CA, substantial damage
- [NTSB CHI80FER50](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI80FER50), Jun 23, 1980: Bell OH-13H (N51862), Olivia, MN, destroyed

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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