# NTSB NYC85LA159: MBB GMBO-105C, N83CJ, Pittsburgh, PA, July 6, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 6, 1985, 01:20 local (05:20 UTC)
- Place: Pittsburgh, PA
- Location: 40.4406° N, 79.9959° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Pittsburgh, PA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4406&lon=-79.9959&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35900
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA159
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35900/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA159

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - fence
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE AIR AMBULANCE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD AND ROLLED OVER AFTER COLLIDDING WITH A FENCE. THE HELICOPTER HAD TAKEN OFF TO A HOVER POSITION AND WAS MAKING A PEDAL TURN IN PREPARATION FOR A CLIMB. COLLECTIVE WAS INCREASED BUT RPM DECREASED AND THE ACFT BEGAN TO DESCEND. GROUND CONTACT AND COLLISION WITH THE FENCE FOLLOWED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N83CJ (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: MBB GMBO-105C
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: S187
- Airframe hours: 4067
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C2OB 3175 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Corporate Jet,Inc., doing business as [Ems]
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 4, 1985, 4 hours before
- Departed: MERCY HOSP., PA
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 3,220 total, 5 in this make and model, 2,800 as pilot in command, 45 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 210° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19850706072809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850706072809A), Jul 6, 1985: Bolkms BO105C, Pittsburgh, PA, Destroyed. Helicopter experienced engine failure after takeoff, made forced landing. Fuel control lines loose.

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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