On August 7, 1988, a Sikorsky S-76A (registration N69WW) operated by Nimad Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Teterboro, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The copilot's failure to maintain adequate control during a ground maneuver on soft grass, which resulted in the right main wheel becoming stuck and the helicopter rolling over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Sikorsky S-76 helicopter sustained substantial damage after rolling onto its right side while taxiing on a company ramp and encountering soft ground during a turn.
What happened
The Sikorsky S-76 helicopter was conducting taxi operations on a company ramp when the incident occurred. The copilot was operating the aircraft and directed it onto an adjacent grass area. As the helicopter executed a left turn, the right main landing gear wheel became lodged in a soft spot within the turf. This loss of traction caused the aircraft to roll over onto its right side, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the ground maneuver that led to the rollover. The analysis focused on the interaction between the helicopter's landing gear and the surface conditions during the turn. The investigation determined that the specific dynamics of the ground maneuver met several criteria outlined in Federal Aviation Administration advisory circulars regarding helicopter dynamic rollover.
Probable cause
The copilot's failure to maintain adequate control during a ground maneuver on soft grass, which resulted in the right main wheel becoming stuck and the helicopter rolling over.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 Aug 1988 Sikorsky S-76A accident near Teterboro, NJ?
A Sikorsky S-76 helicopter sustained substantial damage after rolling onto its right side while taxiing on a company ramp and encountering soft ground during a turn.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Aug 1988 involved a Sikorsky S-76A, registration N69WW, operated by Nimad Aviation, at Teterboro, NJ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The copilot's failure to maintain adequate control during a ground maneuver on soft grass, which resulted in the right main wheel becoming stuck and the helicopter rolling over.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…