# NTSB SEA84FA048: Sikorsky S-61L, N6981R, Medford, OR, February 5, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 5, 1984, 11:40 local (19:40 UTC)
- Place: Medford, OR
- Coordinates: 42.330131, -122.789665 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.3301&lon=-122.7897&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 39789
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA84FA048
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39789/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA84FA048

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, taxi - to takeoff
  - object - building(nonresidential) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT DEVIATED FROM THE PAINTED TAXI LINE TO AVOID A PARKED FUEL TRUCK AND COLLIDED WITH A HANGAR DOOR. THE MAIN ROTOR HIT THE DOOR AND FLYING DEBRIS DAMAGED 2 HANGERS,3 ACFT AND 2 CARS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6981R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6981R-2018-02-12), registration cancelled 2018-02-12, S/N 61453, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SIKORSKY S-61L
- Registry model: [Sikorsky S-61L](https://openairdocs.org/model/sikorsky-s-61l) (registry code 8142102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [GE T58 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/ge-t58-series) (registry code 30008, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 61453
- Airframe hours: 15813
- Engines: GE CT58-140 1500 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Registered owner: Croman Corporation
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special); Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: AAIP, February 2, 1984, 8 hours before
- Airport: Medford-Jackson County

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 10,000 total, 5,000 in this make and model, 9,600 as pilot in command, 250 in the last 90 days, 100 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 18,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MFR, 5 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 19840205002989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840205002989A), Feb 5, 1984: Skrsky S61L, Medford, OR, Destroyed. Helicopter blades hit hangar during taxi for takeoff. Main rotor blade separated and struck cabin.

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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