# NTSB MIA96TA221: Bell OH-58A, N160SA, Wetumpka, AL, September 3, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: September 3, 1996, 13:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Wetumpka, AL
- Coordinates: 32.530227, -86.309204 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.5302&lon=-86.3092&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 16, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 38100
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA96TA221
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38100/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA96TA221

## Probable cause

The student pilot improper use of flight controls (cyclic a nd collective) on a takeoff to a hover, resulting in the helicopter rolling to the right, and the main rotor blade colliding with the ground.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff
  - terrain condition - ground
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - soft

## Analysis

The student pilot was attempting a takeoff to a hover from soft terrain. The left skid came off the ground, and the helicopter started to roll to the right. The main rotor blades collided with the ground, as the student pilot applied full left cyclic and lowered the collective pitch to the full down position.

## Factual narrative

On September 3, 1996, a Bell OH-58A, N160SA, registered to the State of Alabama, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 public-use instructional flight, crashed on takeoff to a hover in the vicinity of Wetumpka, Alabama. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The student pilot reported no injuries. The flight was originating from the Wetumpka Municipal Airport at the time of the accident.

The student pilot stated they had considerable rain in the local area, and the grassy area that he was taking off from was soft. He increased collective pitch, the left skid came off the ground, and the helicopter started to roll to the right. The main rotor blades collided with the ground, as he was applying full left cyclic and lowering the collective pitch to the full down position. The helicopter rocked to the left and came to rest upright on its skids.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N160SA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N160SA-1996-10-16), registration cancelled 1996-10-16, S/N 7015286 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Bell OH-58A
- Registry model: [Bell OH-58A](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-oh-58a) (registry code 1181579) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 70-15286
- Airframe hours: 9501
- Engines: Allison 250-C20C 420 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Public use
- Registered owner: State Of Alabama
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 29, 1996, 2 hours before
- Departed: 08A
- Airport: 08A, Wetumpka Municipal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 270 total, 58 in this make and model, 164 as pilot in command, 65 in the last 90 days, 59 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ANB, 80 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 19960903036229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960903036229A), Sep 3, 1996: Bell OH58A, Wetumpka, AL, Substantial damage. Raised one skid on attempted takeoff to hover. Helicopter rolled over then back to upright on its skids.

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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