# NTSB MIA89LA057: Sikorsky S-58B, N45726, Kissimmee, FL, December 23, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 23, 1988, 16:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Kissimmee, FL
- Location: 28.2898° N, 81.4371° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at KISSIMMEE GATEWAY (ISM), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.2898&lon=-81.4371&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 29, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32375
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA89LA057
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32375/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA057

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - flare/touchdown
  - rotor drive system,clutch assembly - failure,total (cause)
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - landing gear,main gear - collapsed
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT HE WAS REPOSITIONING THE ACFT FOR FUEL, AND DURING A PRACTICE AUTOROTATION ATTEMPT THE ENGINE HYDRO-MECHANICAL CLUTCH FAILED. IT DID NOT RE-ENGAGE UPON THE APPLICATION OF POWER AND THE ACFT WAS LANDED HARD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N45726](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N45726-2011-09-28), registration cancelled 2011-09-28, S/N 56-4307, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SIKORSKY S-58B
- Registry model: [Sikorsky H-34J](https://openairdocs.org/model/sikorsky-h-34j) (registry code 8141813) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Wright R-1820 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/wright-r-1820-series) (registry code 67020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 56-4307
- Airframe hours: 4056
- Engines: WRIGHT R-1820-84C 1525 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Operator: Hi-Lift Helicopter
- Registered owner: Orlando Helicopter Airways
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 1988, 51 hours before
- Airport: ISM, Kissimmee

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 2,561 total, 1,900 in this make and model, 2,377 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 6,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ORL, 20 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 19881223056359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881223056359A), Dec 23, 1988: Orlhel HH34JSKRSKY, Kissimmee, FL, Substantial damage. Repositioning for fuel and practice autorotation. Hydro mechanical clutch failed. Adding power failed cushion impact

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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