# NTSB MIA97LA212: Continental Copters MK5A, N62108, Sylacauga, AL, July 24, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 24, 1997, 13:30 local (18:30 UTC) - Place: Sylacauga, AL - Coordinates: 33.169822, -86.260002 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1698&lon=-86.2600&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Uncontrolled descent](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/650) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report January 7, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 38314 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA97LA212 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38314/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97LA212 ## Probable cause The failure of the pilot to maintain main rotor rpm resulting in the helicopter descending and colliding with trees. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - descent - uncontrolled, pilot in command - object - tree(s) ## Analysis The pilot reported that immediately after takeoff he lost main rotor rpm, but that the engine did not quit or lose power. The helicopter descended, collided with trees, and came to rest. Post crash examination of the helicopter showed no evidence to indicate mechanical failure or malfunction of the engine, structure, or systems. ## Factual narrative On July 24, 1997, about 1330 central daylight time, a Continental Copters MK5A, N62108, registered to Gulf Helicopter, Inc., crashed during takeoff at Sylacauga, Alabama, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter received substantial damage and the commercial-rated pilot received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated he departed to the southwest from the back of a truck with a normal load of chemical, 80 gallons. Immediately after takeoff, rotor rpm began to decay. Realizing the aircraft would not clear the trees, he flared to slow the airspeed as the helicopter settled into the trees. The temperature was about 95 degrees and he had made about 20 similar takeoffs from the same spot on the day of the accident. The pilot reported to an FAA inspector that the engine did not quit or lose power. Examination of the helicopter by an FAA inspector showed no evidence of precrash failure or malfunction of the engine, helicopter structure, or systems. The main drive clutch was removed and tested at an overhaul facility by FAA inspectors. The clutch operated normally. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N62108](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N62108-2014-11-26), registration cancelled 2014-11-26, S/N TC-HFS-1 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Continental Copters MK5A - Registry model: [Continental Copters TOMCAT MK5A](https://openairdocs.org/model/continental-copters-tomcat-mk5a) (registry code 2390101) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: TC-HFS-1 - Engines: Lycoming VO-435-A1F 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Gulf Helicopter, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 50; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 10,000 total, 4,000 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 10° at 10 knots - Visibility: 8 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 77 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: BHM, 40 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 19970724019589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970724019589A), Jul 24, 1997: Ccoptr TOMCATMK5A, Sylacauga, AL, Substantial damage. Rotor decay on climbout from truck pad. Flared settled into trees. Hot day. No anomalis. Pilot error performance. (-23) on July 24, 1997, at approximately 1745… ## Other investigations on N62108 (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 ATL91LA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA180), Sep 26, 1991: Continental Copters MK5A (N62108), Franklin, GA, substantial damage. Probable cause: AN UNDETERMINED FAILURE OF THE TAIL ROTOR CONTROL CABLE, WHICH RESULTED IN AN UNCONTROLLED COLLISION WITH THE GROUND. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.