# NTSB NYC85LA177: Sikorsky S-76A, N3124L, Hartford, CT, July 14, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 14, 1985, 16:50 local (20:50 UTC)
- Place: Hartford, CT
- Location: 41.7659° N, 72.6816° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Hartford, CT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.7659&lon=-72.6816&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35915
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA177
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35915/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA177

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - engine assembly - undetermined (cause)
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - misc rotorcraft,tail cone - distorted (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - rotor drive system,tail rotor drive shaft - bent (contributing factor)
  - flare - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE APCH TO THE PVT HELIPAD WAS UNEVENTFUL UP TO THE LAST 100 FT WHERE THE PLTS NOTICED A HIGH SINK RATE. THE PLT INCREASED COLLECTIVE TO CORRECT FOR THE SITUATION. AT ABOUT 20 FT FROM TOUCHDOWN POINT THE PLT NOTICED A DECREASE IN RPM AND REALIZED THAT THEY WERE LOSING PWR. DURING THE TOUCHDOWN, THE TAIL CONE CONTACTED THE EDGE OF THE HELIPAD DAMAGING THE TAIL ROTOR DRIVE SHAFT. THE PLT SHUT THE ACFT DOWN ACCORDING TO NORMAL PROCEDURES. THE DROOP COMPENSATORS WERE BEING EXAMINED BY THE CORPORATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3124L (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: SIKORSKY S-76A
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 760-228
- Airframe hours: 836
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C30 650 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Executive/Corporate, Part 91
- Registered owner: United Techology Corp.
- Departed: EHT, E. HARTFORD, CT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 9,100 total, 1,900 in this make and model, 7,700 as pilot in command, 95 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HFD

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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