# NTSB MIA82DA156: Sikorsky H-19, N95484, Lake Lady, FL, July 16, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 16, 1982, 08:45 local (12:45 UTC)
- Place: Lake Lady, FL
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 16, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71326
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA82DA156
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71326/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA82DA156

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - miscellaneous - undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - wet (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND AN AUTOROTATIVE LANDING WAS MADE IN A MARSHY AREA. DURING TOUCHDOWN, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE TAIL BOOM. THE ENGINE BECAME SUBMERGED IN WATER AND COULD NOT BE TESTED DUE TO THE HIGH MOISTURE CONTENT IN THE CARBURETOR AND MAGNETOS. NO PREIMPACT/MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE WAS VERIFIED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N95484](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N95484), registered now, S/N 54-1409, built 1954 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SIKORSKY H-19
- Registry model: [Sikorsky UH-19D](https://openairdocs.org/model/sikorsky-uh-19d) (registry code 814161G) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Wright R-1300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/wright-r-1300-series) (registry code 67060, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 54-1409
- Airframe hours: 2209
- Engines: WRIGHT R-1300 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 137
- Operator: David Bortscheller
- Registered owner: David Bortscheller
- Departed: LAKE LADY, FL
- Destination: LAKE LADY, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 5,000 total, 3,500 in this make and model, 5,000 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 194 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19820716030069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820716030069A), Jul 16, 1982: Orlhel UH19DSKRSKY, Lake Lady, FL, Substantial damage. Engine failed after takeoff. Autorotated into a swamp. Main rotors chopped off tailboom. Engine problem unknown.

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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