# NTSB MIA85LA056: Sikorsky UH34J, N4556D, Carrabelle, FL, December 10, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 10, 1984, 11:20 local (16:20 UTC)
- Place: Carrabelle, FL
- Coordinates: 29.839757, -84.670928 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.8398&lon=-84.6709&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31329
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85LA056
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31329/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85LA056

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, hover
  - engine assembly - undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - water,glassy

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS CONDUCTING EXTERNAL LOAD LOGGING OPERATIONS IN A HOVER AT APRX 175 FT AGL WHEN THE POWER LOSS OCCURRED. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, THE ENG RAN INTERMITTENTLY WITH BLACK SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST PIPE BEFORE THE ENG FAILED TOTALLY. THE AUTOROTATION LANDING WAS MADE INTO A CREEK IN 5-6 FT DEEP WATER. THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES WERE DESTROYED AND THE TAIL BOOM WAS CHOPPED OFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4556D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4556D-2013-06-11), registration cancelled 2013-06-11, S/N 145668, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SIKORSKY UH34J
- Registry model: [Sikorsky UH-34J](https://openairdocs.org/model/sikorsky-uh-34j) (registry code 8141821) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 145668
- Engines: CURTIS WRIGHT 1820-84 1475 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 133
- Operator: Scenic River Logging
- Registered owner: Leonard K. Parker
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: CARRABELLE, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 17,445 total, 125 in this make and model, 17,445 as pilot in command, 135 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PFN

## 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 19841210065649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841210065649A), Dec 10, 1984: Skrsky UH34J, Carrabelle, FL, Substantial damage. Pilot stated engine cycles of quitting and firing. Black smoke from exhaust dropped load, landed. No cause found.

## Other investigations on N4556D (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 ATL89LA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89LA212), Sep 15, 1989: Sikorsky H-34J (N4556D), Louisville, GA, destroyed. Probable cause: AN UNDETERMINED MALFUNCTION OF THE MAIN ROTOR DRIVE SYSTEM.

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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