# NTSB MIA85LA207: Quinn EL Tomcat MK-5A, N8429, Blakley, GA, July 4, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 4, 1985, 18:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Blakley, GA
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31424
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85LA207
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31424/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85LA207

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE EN ROUTE TO REPOSITION THE HELICOPTER TO ANOTHER FARM, THE ENG LOST POWER. THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING AN AUTOROTATION, THE MAIN ROTOR LOST SOME RPM AS HE STRETCHED HIS GLIDE TO AVOID A FENCE. AS THE HELICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN ON UNEVEN TERRAIN, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE TAIL BOOM. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT A CONNECTING ROD HAD FAILED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8429](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8429-2013-04-29), registration cancelled 2013-04-29, S/N 100A, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Quinn Aviation EL TOMCAT MK-5A (EL TOMCAT)
- Registry model: [Quinn E L TOM CAT MK-5A](https://openairdocs.org/model/quinn-e-l-tom-cat-mk-5a) (registry code 1302703) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 100A
- Airframe hours: 1689
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1D 240 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Registered owner: Early Ag Service Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, September 22, 1984, 94 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 20,000 total, 3,650 in this make and model, 150 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DHN, 30 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 19850704029909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850704029909A), Jul 4, 1985: Bell OH13HMK5A, Blakley, GA, Substantial damage. Broken push rod failed engine in cruise flight. Main rotor blades severed tail boom during hard landing.

## Other investigations on N8429 (2)

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 LAX04LA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA158), Mar 15, 2004: Quinn E L Tom Cat MK-5A (N8429), Galt, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: a loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel system.
- [NTSB FTW76FPG82](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW76FPG82), Jul 10, 1976: Quinn MK-5A (N8429), Corning, AR, destroyed

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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