# NTSB SEA85LA166: Aerospatiale AS350D, N3601D, Hoonah, AK, July 17, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 16, 1985, 17:30 local (Jul 17, 1985, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Hoonah, AK
- Coordinates: 58.25967, -134.399948 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=58.2597&lon=-134.3999&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40199
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85LA166
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40199/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA166

## Analysis

DURING A CFR 135 FLT THE PLT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE ACFT WITH A CORRESPONDING LEFT YAW. THE ENG WAS SHUT DOWN IN-FLT AND A SUCCESSFUL AUTOROTATION WAS MADE ONTO WATER. THE PLT DISCOVERED 50 LBS OF TOOLS AND 50 FT OF CABLE HAD EXITED THE CARGO DOOR WHEN IT CAME OPEN IN-FLT. FAA INSPECTORS FOUND THE CARGO DOOR AND IT'S LATCH TO BE IN PROPER WORKING ORDER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, cruise
  - door,cargo/baggage - open (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, cruise
- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - remedial action - performed, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - water,glassy

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3601D (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: AEROSPATIALE AS350D
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1186
- Airframe hours: 2250
- Engines: LYCOMING LTS-101-600A2 531 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Registered owner: Livingston Helicopters, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE, HOONAH, AK
- Destination: NONE, GUSTAVIS, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 4,162 total, 1,084 in this make and model, 3,465 as pilot in command, 144 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °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 19850716038969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850716038969A), Jul 16, 1985: Snias AS350D, Hoonah, AK, Substantial damage. Improperly secured cargo departed the helicopter from an open cargo door striking tail and main rotors.

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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