# NTSB LAX89LA265: Sikorsky S-58T, N6306, Susanville, CA, July 8, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 8, 1989, 11:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Susanville, CA
- Coordinates: 38.72929, -119.83982 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.7293&lon=-119.8398&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 22, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26469
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA265
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26469/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA265

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INFLIGHT DECISION TO ENTER A DESCENT WHEN HE LOST YAW CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. TURBULENT WEATHER CONDITIONS AND AN ABRUPT TOUCHDOWN WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - descent - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - touchdown - abrupt, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER ENTERED AN UNCOMMANDED LEFT YAW, IN AN AREA WITH SWIRLING WINDS, WHILE INBOUND FOR A FIRE SUPPRESSION WATER DROP. THE PILOT DUMPED THE WATER, RELEASED THE BUCKET COLLECTIVE PITCH AND ENTERED A DESCENT. HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE DESCENT DURING THE LANDING FLARE AND THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6306](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6306-1989-12-08), registration cancelled 1989-12-08, S/N 581491 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SIKORSKY S-58T
- Registry model: [Sikorsky S-58DT](https://openairdocs.org/model/sikorsky-s-58dt) (registry code 8141842) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 58-1491
- Engines: P&W PT6T-6 1600 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Public aircraft, Public use
- Operator: Aris Helicopters Ltd.

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; flight instructor, airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 5,000 total, 500 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °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 19890708066619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890708066619A), Jul 8, 1989: Skrsky S58DT, Susanville, CA, Substantial damage. Lost control slowing for forest fire water drop. Jettisoned water and long line.

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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