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Accidents · NTSB LAX08PA259 · Final report

Sikorsky S-61N accident near Weaverville, California, August 6, 2008

On August 6, 2008 at about 2:41 am local time, a Sikorsky S-61N (helicopter), registered N612AZ, was destroyed in an accident during initial climb near Weaverville, California. It was a public-use flight (federal) under public-use (government) rules. 9 people were killed and 4 people were seriously injured. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).

The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged

The following actions by Carson Helicopters: 1) the intentional understatement of the helicopter's empty weight, 2) the alteration of the power available chart to exaggerate the helicopter's lift capability, and 3) the practice of using unapproved above-minimum specification torque in performance calculations that, collectively, resulted in the pilots relying on performance calculations that significantly overestimated the helicopter's load-carrying capacity and did not provide an adequate performance margin for a successful takeoff; and insufficient oversight by the U.S. Forest Service and the Federal Aviation Administration. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the flight crewmembers to address the fact that the helicopter had approached its maximum performance capability on their two prior departures from the accident site because they were accustomed to operating at the limit of the helicopter’s performance. Contributing to the fatalities were the immediate, intense fire that resulted from the spillage of fuel upon impact from the fuel tanks that were not crash resistant, the separation from the floor of the cabin seats that were not crash resistant, and the use of an inappropriate release mechanism on the cabin seat restraints.

Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made November 2, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.

What the record shows

Date
August 6, 2008 · about 2:41 am local time · cases in 2008
Place
Weaverville, California · map
Type
Accident
Injuries
9 people were killed and 4 people were seriously injured.
Weather
visual conditions (good weather)
Aircraft
Sikorsky S-61N · all S-61Ns on the register
Registration
N612AZ · registry record
Damage
Destroyed
Flight
Public-use flight (federal) · public-use (government) rules

The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record

The Safety Board's full report is available at http://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/A_Acc1.htm. The Aircraft Accident Report number is NTSB/AAR-10-06. On August 5, 2008, about 1941 Pacific daylight time, a Sikorsky S-61N helicopter, N612AZ, impacted trees and terrain during the initial climb after takeoff from Helispot 44 (H-44), located at an elevation of about 6,000 feet in mountainous terrain near Weaverville, California. The pilot-in-command, the safety crewmember, and seven firefighters were fatally injured; the copilot and three firefighters were seriously injured. Impact forces and a postcrash fire destroyed the helicopter, which was being operated by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) as a public flight to transport firefighters from H-44 to another helispot. The USFS had contracted with Carson Helicopters, Inc. (CHI) of Grants Pass, Oregon, for the services of the helicopter, which was registered to CHI and leased to Carson Helicopter Services, Inc. of Grants Pass. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and a company visual flight rules flight plan had been filed.

The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.

The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English

What happened, in order

  1. Aircraft loading event during prior to flight
  2. Collision during takeoff/land during initial climb defining event
  3. Fire/smoke (post-impact) during post (impact)

The NTSB's findings

  • cause Aircraft › Aircraft handling/service › Loading › (general) › Related operating info
  • cause Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Aircraft capability › (general) › Related operating info
  • cause Organizational issues › Management › Culture › Standard operating practices › Operator
  • cause Personnel issues › Experience/knowledge › Knowledge › (general) › Pilot
  • cause Organizational issues › Support/oversight/monitoring › Oversight › Oversight of operation › FAA/Regulator
  • cause Organizational issues › Support/oversight/monitoring › Oversight › Oversight of operation › Other government
  • factor Personnel issues › Action/decision › Action › Lack of action › Flight crew
  • factor Aircraft › Aircraft systems › Fuel system › Fuel storage › Design other cases naming the fuel system
  • factor Aircraft › Aircraft systems › Equipment/furnishings › Flight compartment equipment › Design other cases naming the cabin, seats and restraints
  • Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware › Fluids › Fuel › Fluid condition other cases naming the fuel system
  • Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena › Wind › (general) › Availability of related info
  • Aircraft › Aircraft systems › Indicating/recording systems › Data recorders (flight/maint) › Not installed/available other cases naming the instruments and avionics

Pilot

  • Certificate: airline transport pilot, commercial pilot
  • Flight time: 20,286 hours in all; 8,166 in this make and model
  • Injury: fatal

Co-pilot

  • Injury: serious injuries

The aircraft

  • Landing gear: fixed
  • Engine 1: General Electric CT58-140 (turboshaft); 0 hours total
  • Engine 2: General Electric CT58-140 (turboshaft); 0 hours total
  • Fire on the ground

The flight

  • Departed from: NONE Weaverville CA at 2:40 am
  • Destination: NONE

Weather at the time

  • Wind: from 150° at 7 knots
  • Visibility: 10 statute miles
  • Temperature: 91°F (33°C), dew point 36°F (2°C)
  • Altimeter: 29.82 inHg
  • Observation at 7:53 pm from RDD

Injuries

FatalSeriousMinorNone
Flight crew11
Passengers83

Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report

236 documents, released by the NTSB on September 16, 2009. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.

#DocumentWhat it is
1 Operations 2-OPERATIONS Group Chairman's Factual Report PDF, 72 pages View Download
2 Operations Group Chairmani��s Factual Report-errata Sheet PDF, 2 pages View Download
3 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 01_SUBPOENA PDF, 2 pages View Download
4 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 02_OPERATING Certificates PDF, 4 pages View Download
5 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 03_LOAD Calculations Performed by PIC PDF, 4 pages View Download
6 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 04_ Pilot's Records PDF, 53 pages View Download
7 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 05_PILOTS' Duty Hours PDF, 2 pages View Download
8 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 06_COPILOT Records PDF, 33 pages View Download
9 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 07_CHSI Training Manual PDF, 282 pages View Download
10 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 08_AIRCRAFT Contract Daily Diary OAS-137 PDF, 4 pages View Download
11 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 09_LOAD Calculation Form PDF, 5 pages View Download
12 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 10_IHOG Chapter 7 Helicopter Load Calculations and Manifests PDF, 9 pages View Download
13 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 11_IHOG Appendix A Helicopter Management Forms and Checklists PDF, 36 pages View Download
14 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 12_CHSI Provided Chart C 06-27-08 PDF, 1 page View Download
15 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 13_ORIGINAL Manifests PDF, 9 pages View Download
16 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 14_CHC Weight Documentation Charts A B and C PDF, 21 pages View Download
17 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 15_CHART A and C Comparisons PDF, 8 pages View Download
18 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 16_CALIBRATION Records PDF, 1 page View Download
19 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 17_PRIOR Accident-incidents PDF, 14 pages View Download
20 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 18_CHSI Provided Chart A and Bs 8-11-07 and 01-04-08 PDF, 12 pages View Download
21 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 19_DER Provided Weight Documents 12-07 PDF, 13 pages View Download
22 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 20_WEIGHT from Airworthiness Conformity Inspection 08-06-07 PDF, 1 page View Download
23 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 21_WEIGHT for Test Flight from Subpoena PDF, 1 page View Download
24 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 22_CHART B from Subpoena 12-26-07 PDF, 1 page View Download
25 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 23_CHART A from Subpoena 08-11-07 01-04-08 and 03-25-08 PDF, 12 pages View Download
26 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 24_CHART B from Subpoena 01-04-08 PDF, 1 page View Download
27 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 25_CHART C from Subpoena 03-25-08 PDF, 1 page View Download
28 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 26_SUBPOENAED Email from Chi to Chsi Confirming Weights 03-28-08 PDF, 1 page View Download
29 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 27_SUBPOENAED Email from Chsi to Chi Confirming Weights 05-05-08 PDF, 2 pages View Download
30 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 28_CHSI Fleet Chart Bs Submitted to Usfs for 2007 Bids PDF, 12 pages View Download
31 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 29_CHSI Fleet Chart Bs Submitted to Usfs for 2008 Bids PDF, 11 pages View Download
32 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 30_CHSI Fleet Weights and Performance Submitted to Usfs for 2008 Bids PDF, 1 page View Download
33 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 31_BID Submitted to Usfs PDF, 6 pages View Download
34 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 32_ROC Scale Repair-calibration Station PDF, 1 page View Download
35 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 33_LOAD Calculation Form Instructions PDF, 2 pages View Download
36 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 34_ Sikorsky's Communications with FAA Regarding 25 Minute Power Available Chart PDF, 6 pages View Download
37 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 35_USFS Power Check Form from Ihog PDF, 5 pages View Download
38 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 36_POWER Checks Performed by Pilots of Ht 766 PDF, 4 pages View Download
39 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 37_CHSI Provided Supplement 5 Figure 1 PDF, 1 page View Download
40 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 38_FAA Provided Supplement 5 PDF, 8 pages View Download
41 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 39_SUPPLEMENT 7 PDF, 18 pages View Download
42 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 40_CHSI Provided Supplement 8 PDF, 42 pages View Download
43 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 41_FAA Provided Supplement 8 PDF, 19 pages View Download
44 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 42_FAA Provided Supplement 9 PDF, 19 pages View Download
45 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 43_SUPPLEMENT Excerpts Charts Provided to Pilots at Helibase In-football- PDF, 11 pages View Download
46 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 44_EMAIL from Chsi Chief Pilot Instructing Pilots to Change Charts Supplement 8 and 9 PDF, 13 pages View Download
47 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 45_COMPARISON of Performance Charts Provided by Chsi and FAA PDF, 49 pages View Download
48 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 46_PERFORMANCE Calculations on Charts Provided by Chsi and FAA PDF, 9 pages View Download
49 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 47_HEIGHT-VELOCITY Diagram PDF, 1 page View Download
50 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 48_CHSI Charts Submitted to Usfs for 2008 Bid PDF, 15 pages View Download
51 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 49_LIQUID Tank Installation STC PDF, 2 pages View Download
52 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 50_HOIST Installation STC PDF, 2 pages View Download
53 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 51_COMPOSITE Main Rotor Blade Component Cards Installed 08-14-07 PDF, 3 pages View Download
54 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 52_LIQUID Tank Component Card Installed 03-25-08 PDF, 1 page View Download
55 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 53_AG Air Component Card Installed 12-26-07 PDF, 1 page View Download
56 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 54_HT 766 Helicopter Activity Report PDF, 4 pages View Download
57 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 55_USFS Inspector Evaluation of Ht 766 PDF, 1 page View Download
58 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 56_HT 766 Registration PDF, 1 page View Download
59 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 57_CHSI Organization Chart PDF, 1 page View Download
60 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 58_SUBPOENAED Email Stating Chi Pays for Chsi Employees PDF, 1 page View Download
61 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 59_LIQUID Tank Specifications PDF, 2 pages View Download
62 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 60_SIKORSKY Provided S-61 Ground Effect Diagram PDF, 1 page View Download
63 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 61_SEAT Weights PDF, 2 pages View Download
64 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 62_MAINTENANCE Review of Ht 766 Weight Specific PDF, 2 pages View Download
65 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 63_CHSI Provided Letter from the Usfs Regarding Use of Minimum Engine Specification PDF, 1 page View Download
66 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 64_IRON Complex Fire Information Helibase Locations PDF, 2 pages View Download
67 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 65_MAPS in Relation to H-44 Accident Site PDF, 4 pages View Download
68 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 66_TRINITY Helibase Information PDF, 3 pages View Download
69 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 67_ACCIDENT Maps and Diagrams PDF, 11 pages View Download
70 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 68_WEATHER PDF, 2 pages View Download
71 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 69_WEIGHT and Balance of Ht 766 PDF, 2 pages View Download
72 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 70_MISSION Profile of Departures PDF, 1 page View Download
73 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 71_WEIGHING Field Notes PDF, 5 pages View Download
74 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 72_WITNESS Interviews PDF, 43 pages View Download
75 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 73_WITNESS Positions PDF, 1 page View Download
76 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 74_OTHER Pertinent Interviews PDF, 18 pages View Download
77 Operations 2-ATTACHMNET 75_MISCELLANEOUS Interviews PDF, 101 pages View Download
78 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 76_COPILOT Interview PDF, 52 pages View Download
79 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 77_PILOT-OPERATOR Aircraft Accident Report NTSB Form 61201 PDF, 9 pages View Download
80 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 78_PILOT-OPERATOR Aircraft Accident Report NTSB Form 61201 Usfs PDF, 9 pages View Download
81 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 79_STATEMENT of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation PDF, 2 pages View Download
82 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 79A_STATEMENT of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation PDF, 1 page View Download
83 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 80_WEIGHT Testing Ogden Ut PDF, 51 pages View Download
84 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 81_PERTINENT List of FAA Inspections-actions PDF, 3 pages View Download
85 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 82_CONTRACT AG-024B-C-08-9354 Passenger Transport PDF, 1 page View Download
86 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 83_MODIFICATION to CONTRACT-AG-024B-C-08_9340 PDF, 3 pages View Download
87 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 84_MISCELLANEOUS Interviews 2 Added PDF, 7 pages View Download
88 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 85_CHART B Dart Provided 08-06-07 PDF, 1 page View Download
89 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 86_CHART Cs from Fleet PDF, 10 pages View Download
90 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 87_PERSONNEL at H-44 PDF, 2 pages View Download
91 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 88_LEASE Agreement Between Chi and Chsi PDF, 15 pages View Download
92 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 89_HUMAN Performance Interviews PDF, 12 pages View Download
93 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 90_WEIGHT Build-up to Accident Configuration PDF, 7 pages View Download
94 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 91_HOIST STC Flight Testing Documents 12-26-07 PDF, 7 pages View Download
95 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 92_USFS Post Accident Weighing PDF, 1 page View Download
96 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 93_USFS Contract Cure Notices PDF, 23 pages View Download
97 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 94_USFS Contract Termination Letters PDF, 5 pages View Download
98 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 95_CHI Responses to Cure Notices PDF, 25 pages View Download
99 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 96_CONTRACT AG-024B-C-08-9340 PDF, 183 pages View Download
100 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 97_EMAIL from Chi Concerning Weight and Balance Records PDF, 2 pages View Download
101 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 98_E-MAIL Excerpt from Usfs Chuck Taylor Concerning Usfs Position on Plus Spec Engines PDF, 3 pages View Download
102 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 99_RECORD of Conversation-chi Director of Maintenance PDF, 1 page View Download
103 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 100_EMAIL from Usfs Concerning Reweighing of Helicopters on Contracts PDF, 3 pages View Download
104 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 101_USFS Letter to Chi Dated March 20 2006 Concerning Use of 25 Minute Charts PDF, 1 page View Download
105 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 102_EMAIL from Chi Concerning Compensation PDF, 1 page View Download
106 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 103_EMAIL from Chi Concerning Chi's Estimate of N612AZ'S Empty Weight PDF, 3 pages View Download
107 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 104_S-61N Instrument Panel Diagrams Showing Pilot-copilot Focus Areas Information Provided PDF, 5 pages View Download
108 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 105_FIRST Flight Out of H44 Passenger Statements PDF, 8 pages View Download
109 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 106_FAA Determination of Public Aircraft Status PDF, 2 pages View Download
110 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 107_DAVE Wolf's Statement PDF, 1 page View Download
111 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 108_CORRESPONDENCE from Chi and FAA Regarding Use of Rfms 6 7 and 8 PDF, 15 pages View Download
112 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 108A_FURTHER FAA Correspondence Regarding Use of Rfms 6 7 and 8 PDF, 7 pages View Download
113 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 109_DOCUMENTS Concerning FAA Postaccident Actions PDF, 22 pages View Download
114 Operations 2-ATTACHMENT 110_INFORMATION from FAA Concerning Addition of N612AZ N103WF N61NH and N725JH to Chsi's P PDF, 44 pages View Download
115 Meteorology 5-FACTUAL Report of Group Chairman PDF, 18 pages View Download
116 Meteorology 5-ADDENDUM 1 PDF, 16 pages View Download
117 Meteorology 5-ERRATA for Addendum 1 PDF, 2 pages View Download
118 Survival Factors 6-FACTUAL Report of Group Chairman PDF, 33 pages View Download
119 Survival Factors 6-ATTACHMENT 1 Irpg PDF, 2 pages View Download
120 Survival Factors 6-ATTACHMENT 2 Wreckage Photos PDF, 11 pages View Download
121 Survival Factors 6-ATTACHMENT 3 N61NH Sistership Photos PDF, 9 pages View Download
122 Survival Factors 6-ATTACHMENT 4 Seat Drawings PDF, 5 pages View Download
123 Survival Factors 6-ATTACHMENT 5 Restraint Photos PDF, 11 pages View Download
124 Survival Factors 6-ATTACHMENT 6 Exhibit 4 Restraint Inspection Guidelines PDF, 2 pages View Download
125 Survival Factors 6-ATTACHMENT 7 FAA Forms 8110-3 PDF, 26 pages View Download
126 Survival Factors 6-ATTACHMENT 8 Injury Chart PDF, 5 pages View Download
127 Survival Factors 6-ADDENDUM A Attachment 9 STC SR02327AK PDF, 19 pages View Download
128 Survival Factors 6-ADDENDUM B Attachment 10 PDF, 11 pages View Download
129 Survival Factors 6-EMERGENCY Response Specialist Report PDF, 10 pages View Download
130 Survival Factors 6-EMERGENCY Response Specialist Report Attachment 1_OVERVIEW of Incident Command System as Provide PDF, 2 pages View Download
131 Survival Factors 6-EMERGENCY Response Specialist Report Attachment 2_EXCERPTS from the Trinity Helibase Operating Gu PDF, 3 pages View Download
132 Survival Factors 6-EMERGENCY Response Specialist Report Attachment 3_TRINITY Helibase Crash Rescue Plan PDF, 2 pages View Download
133 Airworthiness Factual Report of Group Chairman 35 Photo's PDF, 80 pages View Download
134 Errata to Airworthiness Group Chairman's Factual Report PDF, 2 pages View Download
135 Attachment 1 to Airworthiness Group Chairman's Factual Report PDF, 9 pages View Download
136 Addendum 1 to Airworthiness Factual Report of Group Chairman PDF, 6 pages View Download
137 Addendum 2 to Airworthiness Factual Report of Group Chairman PDF, 3 pages View Download
138 Addendum 3 to Airworthiness Factual Report 7 Embedded Photos PDF, 6 pages View Download
139 Addendum 4 to Airworthiness Factual Report of Group Chairman PDF, 3 pages View Download
140 Maintenance Records 11-FACTUAL Report of Group Chairman PDF, 17 pages View Download
141 Maintenance Records 11-ATTACHMENT 1-AIR Carrier Certificates PDF, 4 pages View Download
142 Maintenance Records 11-ATTACHMENT 2-TYPE Certificate Data Sheets PDF, 18 pages View Download
143 Maintenance Records 11-ATTACHMENT 3-CONTINUING Analysis and Surveillance System Meetings PDF, 15 pages View Download
144 Maintenance Records 11-ATTACHMENT 4-AIRWORTHINESS Directive and Service Bulletin Summary PDF, 23 pages View Download
145 Maintenance Records 11-ATTACHMENT 5-AIRCRAFT Flight and Maintenance Logs PDF, 21 pages View Download
146 Maintenance Records 11-ATTACHMENT 51-AIRCRAFT Flight and Maintenance Logs PDF, 13 pages View Download
147 Maintenance Records 11-ATTACHMENT 52-AIRCRAFT Flight and Maintenance Logs PDF, 9 pages View Download
148 Maintenance Records 11-ATTACHMENT 6-MAJOR Repairs and Alternations PDF, 17 pages View Download
149 Maintenance Records 11-ATTACHMENT 7-TIME Limit Control Components PDF, 11 pages View Download
150 Maintenance Records 11-ATTACHMENT 8-APPROVED Vendor List PDF, 2 pages View Download
151 Maintenance Records 11-ATTACHMENT 9-MAIN Gear Box Information PDF, 5 pages View Download
152 Maintenance Records 11-ATTACHMENT 10-INPUT Freewheeling Unit Information PDF, 5 pages View Download
153 Maintenance Records 11-ATTACHMENT 11-TRANSMISSION Inspection Panel Information PDF, 7 pages View Download
154 Maintenance Records 11-ATTACHMENT 12-FAA Response Letter PDF, 4 pages View Download
155 Cockpit Voice-flight Data Recorder 12-FACTUAL Report of Group Chairman PDF, 45 pages View Download
156 Cockpit Voice Recorder 12 - Group Chairman's Sound Spectrum Study PDF, 11 pages View Download
157 Cockpit Voice Recorder 12 - Addendum to Group Chairman's Sound Spectrum Study PDF, 13 pages View Download
158 Cockpit Voice Recorder 12-ERRATA to Group Chairman's Sound Spectrum Study PDF, 9 pages View Download
159 Aircraft Performance 13-HELICOPTER Hover Study PDF, 29 pages View Download
160 Aircraft Performance 13-ADDENDUM 1 to the Helicopter Hover Study PDF, 11 pages View Download
161 Aircraft Performance 13-ERRATA to the Helicopter Hover Study PDF, 30 pages View Download
162 Aircraft Performance 13-ADDENDUM 2 to the Helicopter Hover Study PDF, 38 pages View Download
163 Party Comments on Hover Study Addendum 2 PDF, 15 pages View Download
164 Materials Laboratory Factual Report 08-121 PDF, 35 pages View Download
165 Materials Laboratory Factual Report 08-121 Errata Sheet PDF, 2 pages View Download
166 Materials Laboratory 15-FACTUAL Report 09-013 PDF, 19 pages View Download
167 Materials Laboratory 15-FACTUAL Report 09-019 PDF, 19 pages View Download
168 Materials Laboratory 15-FACTUAL Report 09-054 Fuel Testing Report Review PDF, 4 pages View Download
169 Materials Laboratory 15-ERRATA to Materials Laboratory Factual Report 09-054 Fuel Testing Report Review PDF, 1 page View Download
170 Materials Laboratory Factual Report 09-094 PDF, 24 pages View Download
171 Materials Laboratory Factual Report 10-002 PDF, 6 pages View Download
172 H44 Approach and Landing Study PDF, 18 pages View Download
173 Carson Comments on H44 Approach and Landing Study PDF, 3 pages View Download
174 Carson 2009 Flight Test PDF, 49 pages View Download
175 Carson 2008 Flight Test PDF, 5 pages View Download
176 Sikorsky Report on Sikorsky-carson 2010 Flight Test PDF, 13 pages View Download
177 Carson Report on Sikorsky-carson 2010 Flight Test PDF, 48 pages View Download
178 FAA Comments on Carson Flight Tests PDF, 3 pages View Download
179 Ge Power Study PDF, 5 pages View Download
180 Party Submission from Carson Helicopters PDF, 60 pages View Download
181 Carson Party Submission Exhibits 1 to 10 PDF, 142 pages View Download
182 Carson Party Submission Exhibits 11 to 25 PDF, 173 pages View Download
183 Carson Party Submissions Exhibits 26 to 32 PDF, 54 pages View Download
184 Carson Party Submission Exhibits-emails from Ge and Sikorsky Allowing Release of Documents Stamped Proprietary PDF, 7 pages View Download
185 Carson Comments on Sikorsky Submission PDF, 7 pages View Download
186 Carson Comments on Usfs Submission PDF, 5 pages View Download
187 Party Submission from Usfs PDF, 29 pages View Download
188 Party Submission from Ge PDF, 2 pages View Download
189 Party Submission from Sikorsky PDF, 31 pages View Download
190 Toxicological Report Pilot PDF, 1 page View Download
191 Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation PDF, 6 pages View Download
192 Flight Time on 08-05-08 PDF, 1 page View Download
193 Collective Lock-factual Report PDF, 7 pages View Download
194 Miscellaneous Correspondence PDF, 60 pages View Download
195 Miscellaneous Transcript Excerpts PDF, 13 pages View Download
196 Closure of Action Items from July 30 2009 Meeting PDF, 8 pages View Download
197 Ge Aviation Letter Regarding Proprietary Items in Documents Regarding Fcu Fuel Filter Contamination Submitted by Carson PDF, 4 pages View Download
198 Documents Regarding Fcu Fuel Filter Contamination Submitted by Carson Helicopters Part 1 PDF, 59 pages View Download
199 Documents Regarding Fcu Fuel Filter Contamination Submitted by Carson Helicopters Part 2 PDF, 70 pages View Download
200 Documents Regarding Fcu Fuel Filter Contamination Submitted by Carson Helicopters Part 3 PDF, 70 pages View Download
201 Additional Information from Witness PDF, 4 pages View Download
202 FAA Inspector Statement Regarding Visit to Trinity Helibase on August 7 2008 PDF, 2 pages View Download
203 Information Regarding 10 Micron Airframe Fuel Filters PDF, 29 pages View Download
204 E-mail from Carson Concerning Seat STC PDF, 2 pages View Download
205 FAA Response to NTSB Information Request 10-282 PDF, 7 pages View Download
206 Correspondence with the Copilot PDF, 12 pages View Download
207 Additional Information Provided by Usfs on November 29 2010 PDF, 8 pages View Download
208 Additional Information Provided by Carson Helicopters on December 2 2010 PDF, 20 pages View Download
209 Additional Information Provided by Sikorsky on December 2 2010 PDF, 5 pages View Download
210 Aerial Photos I�� Burning Wreckage Smoke Plume PDF, 2 pages View Download
211 Photo 1 Smoke Plume 1943 Pdt N420RL 8 Miles Out PDF, 1 page View Download
212 Photo 2 Smoke Plume 1945 Pdt N420RL 5 Miles Out PDF, 1 page View Download
213 Photo 3 Smoke Plume 1946 Pdt N420RL 2 Miles Out PDF, 1 page View Download
214 Photo 4 Smoke Plume 1947 Pdt N420RL Taken Over Site PDF, 1 page View Download
215 Photo 5 Smoke Plume 1948 Pdt N420RL Taken Over Site PDF, 1 page View Download
216 Photo 6 Smoke Plume 1951 Pdt N420RL Taken Over Site PDF, 1 page View Download
217 Photo 7 Smoke Plume 1954 Pdt N420RL Taken Over Site PDF, 1 page View Download
218 Photo 8 Smoke Plume 1955 Pdt N420RL Taken Over Site PDF, 1 page View Download
219 Photo 9 Smoke Plume 1956 Pdt N420RL Taken Over Site PDF, 1 page View Download
220 Photo 10 Smoke Plume 2000 Pdt N420RL Taken Over Site PDF, 1 page View Download
221 Photo 11 Smoke Plume 2001 Pdt N420RL Taken Over Site PDF, 1 page View Download
222 Photo 12 Smoke Plume 2001 Pdt N420RL Taken Over Site PDF, 1 page View Download
223 Photo 13 Smoke Plume 1949 Pdt N90301 2-3 Miles Out PDF, 1 page View Download
224 Photo 14 Smoke Plume 1950 Pdt N90301 Taken Over Site PDF, 1 page View Download
225 Photo 15 Smoke Plume 1951 Pdt N90301 Taken Over Site PDF, 1 page View Download
226 Photo 16 Chsi-submitted Photo of Accident Helicopter Taken on March 25 2008 PDF, 1 page View Download
227 Columbia Helicopters Inc Submission PDF, 22 pages View Download
228 Administration Investigation Report Previously Released Under Foia PDF, 106 pages View Download
229 Affidavit of Roger Douglass Dated December 3 2010 PDF, 3 pages View Download
230 Copilot Email Dated December 4 2010 PDF, 13 pages View Download
231 Memorandum I�� Board Member Participation in the Board Hearing Concerning the August 8 2008 Crash During Takeoff of Firef PDF, 4 pages View Download
232 Petition for Reconsideration PDF, 26 pages View Download
233 Sikorsky Response to Petition PDF, 21 pages View Download
234 Petition for Reconsideration Submission_ge Aviation Response PDF, 3 pages View Download
235 Petition for Reconsideration Submission_us Forest Service Response PDF, 1 page View Download
236 Petition for Reconsideration Response PDF, 6 pages View Download

The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.

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Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text does not name anyone involved, its policy at this time. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.