# NTSB NYC86FGM02: Continental Copters OH13H Tomcat Mark 5A, N41830, Indiana, PA, May 10, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: May 10, 1986, 17:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Indiana, PA
- Coordinates: 40.569393, -79.260292 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5694&lon=-79.2603&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30209
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86FGM02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30209/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86FGM02

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,transmission
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH WIRES DURING A SPRAY RUN AND CRASHED OUT OF CONTROL. THE PLT TRIED TO FLY UNDER THE WIRES THAT WERE SIGHTED TOO LATE TO CLEAR. DURING HIS SURVEY OF THE FIELD THE PLT HAD FAILED TO SEE THE WIRES THAT WERE STRUCK. THE COLLISION BROKE OFF BOTH MAIN ROTOR BLADES. THE HELICOPTER TUMBLED FOR APRX 216 FT AFTER IMPACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N41830](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N41830-2020-10-09), registration cancelled 2020-10-09, S/N CCI-73-2, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Continental Copters OH13H TOMCAT MARK 5A (OH13H TOMC)
- Registry model: [Continental Copters TOMCAT MK6C](https://openairdocs.org/model/continental-copters-tomcat-mk6c) (registry code 2390204) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: CC1-73-2
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435 265 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: Unknown
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Hecks Flying Service
- Registered owner: Pah, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 24, 1986

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 5,876 total, 2,150 in this make and model, 25 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 0° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19860510016739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860510016739A), May 10, 1986: Bell OH13HMK5A, Indiana, PA, Substantial damage. During a spraying run, tried to duck under, but struck the powerlines. Impacted the ground when control was lost.

## Other investigations on N41830 (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 ERA19TA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19TA213), Jul 8, 2019: Continental Copters Tomcat MK6C (N41830), Franklin, KY, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain main rotor rpm after takeoff, which resulted in a collision with terrain.

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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