# NTSB LAX89DVA07: Texas Helicopter OH-13E/M74, N38117, Hilmar, CA, July 16, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 16, 1989, 12:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Hilmar, CA
- Coordinates: 37.470645, -120.850784 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.4706&lon=-120.8508&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 22, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26154
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89DVA07
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26154/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DVA07

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING AN ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF FROM A LOADING PLATFORM.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT INITIATED A LIFTED-OFF FROM A LOADING PLATFORM AND THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO ROLL AND SLIDE TO THE LEFT. THE HELICOPTER ROTATED 180 DEGREES AND THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK A DIRT BANK DURING THE PILOT'S ATTEMPT TO LAND. THE PILOT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE HELICOPTER PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N38117](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N38117-2017-06-08), registration cancelled 2017-06-08, S/N 78-013, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: TEXAS HELICOPTER OH-13E/M74
- Registry model: [Texas Helicopter OH-13E](https://openairdocs.org/model/texas-helicopter-oh-13e) (registry code 8930102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 78-013
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1F 270 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Streeter Flying Service, Inc.
- Registered owner: Stephen R. Streeter
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: HILMAR, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 10,025 total, 425 in this make and model, 10,000 as pilot in command, 92 in the last 90 days, 80 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point -0 °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 19890716023059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890716023059A), Jul 16, 1989: Bell OH13ETEXHELI, Hilmar, CA, Destroyed. Lifted off platform to hover. Tail rotor hit the ground. Lost control,helicopter rolled over and self-destructed.

## Other investigations on N38117 (1)

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 MKC82DA129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC82DA129), Jul 20, 1982: Texas Helicopter OH-13E (N38117), 10 Sw Of Milan, MO, 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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