Sikorsky UH-34D N3880J

Summary

On 25 July 2011 at about 16:30 local time, a Sikorsky UH-34D registered N3880J, operated by Southern Helicopter Service LLC, was involved in an accident near Wilton, Iowa, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

25 July 2011 at 16:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Wilton, Iowa, United States

Coordinates

41.5803, -91.0203

Aircraft

Sikorsky UH-34D

Registration

N3880J

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Southern Helicopter Service LLC

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Wilton → Wilton

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN11FA507

1 person died.

The inadequate performance planning by the pilot that resulted in reduced climb capability while transitioning to an out-of-ground effect hover with a left pedal turn.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot flew the helicopter toward an agricultural field that was to be sprayed with fungicide. As the helicopter flew along the edge of the field, the pilot brought the helicopter into an out-of-ground-effect hover and performed a left pedal turn. The helicopter descended and impacted terrain. The helicopter was operated with a fuel grade that reduced the maximum engine power and the available climb rate for the conditions at the time of the accident. According to the Rotorcraft Flying Handbook, Basic Flight Maneuvers, Hovering Turn, it states in part, "…It should be noted that during a turn to the left, more power will need to be added because left pedal pressure increases the pitch angle of the tail rotor, which, in turn, requires additional power from the engine..." It is likely that the helicopter did not have sufficient power to perform the hovering turn successfully. A postaccident examination did not reveal any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded the helicopter's operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.