# NTSB MIA85FA153: Sikorsky S-58ET, N65526, Gulf Of Mexico, April 20, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 20, 1985, 00:00 local (05:00 UTC)
- Place: Gulf Of Mexico
- Phase of flight: [Unknown](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/990) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31241
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85FA153
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31241/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85FA153

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, unknown
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - rotorcraft flight control,swashplate assembly - fatigue (cause)
  - rotorcraft flight control,swashplate assembly - disconnected (cause)
  - rotorcraft flight control,cyclic control - inoperative
  - rotorcraft flight control,collective control - inoperative
- Loss of control - in flight, unknown
- In flight collision with terrain/water, unknown
  - terrain condition - water,rough

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER DISAPPEARED WHILE ON AN OVERWATER FLT FROM KEY WEST, FL TO FT PEIRCE, FL. ONE OCCUPANT & THE WRECKAGE OF THE HELICOPTER WERE SUBSEQUENTLY RECOVERED FROM THE GULF OF MEXICO. THE PLT & THE OTHER OCCUPANT WERE NOT LOCATED & WERE PRESUMED DEAD. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE, 1 OF THE CREWMEMBERS WAS OVERHEARD TO SAY 'THAT DIDN'T SOUND GOOD'REFERRING TO SOME UNUSUAL SOUND AT THE TIME OF SHUT-DOWN. THE PLT TOLD A WITNESS THEY WERE HAVING MECHANICAL DIFFICULTY WHICH THEY WOULD CORRECT IN FT PIERCE. ANOTHER WITNESS HEARD THE PLT STATE TO 1 OF THE PAX THAT A CAP OR PART HAD FALLEN OFF & WAS MISSING. AN EXAM OF THE ROTATING & STATIONARY SWASHPLATES WHICH MADE UP THE STAR ASS'Y REVEALED THAT THEY HAD SEPARATED FROM EACH OTHER. A METALLURGICAL EXAM REVEALED THAT 8 OF THE 12 BOLTS WHICH SECURED THE ROTATING STAR INNER RACE TO THE ASS'Y HAD FAILED IN FATIGUE; THE OTHER 4 BOLTS WERE MISSING. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE BELLY, TAIL CONE & PYLON.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N65526](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N65526-2013-04-30), registration cancelled 2013-04-30, S/N 58-750, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SIKORSKY S-58ET
- Registry model: [Sikorsky S-58ET](https://openairdocs.org/model/sikorsky-s-58et) (registry code 8141803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [U/A Canada PT6T series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/u-a-canada-pt6t-series) (registry code 61550, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 58-750
- Airframe hours: 4548
- Engines: P&W PT6T-3 750 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Registered owner: Carson Helicopters, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: EYW, KEY WEST, FL
- Destination: FPR, FT. PIERCE, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 8,800 total, 2,800 in this make and model, 7,843 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: EYW, 57 nm away

## 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 19850420020599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850420020599A), Apr 20, 1985: Skrsky S58ET, Gulf Of Mexico, FL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Impacted water with one engine shut down due to fuel pump drive failure. Sheared bolts on swashplate assembly.

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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