3 fatal · SIKORSKY S-58T · 1994-02-21 · WALNUT CREEK, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX94FA130
Event ID
20001206X00756
Type
Accident
Date
1994-02-21
Location
WALNUT CREEK, CA, USA
Coordinates
37.910488, -122.009178
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
3
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
3
Aircraft
Make
SIKORSKY
Model
S-58T
Registration
N581BG
FAR Part
091
Engines
2
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
Inadequate fuel quality control procedures by the helicopter operator resulting in fuel contamination and a loss of engine power. The pilot's decision to extend the autorotative glide to avoid striking residential homes, which resulted in low main rotor rpm and a subsequent in-flight loss of control, is also causal in this accident. A factor in the accident was the unsuitable nature of the residential area over which the loss of power occurred for a successful forced landing.