NTSB preliminary report
NTSB Identification: SEA03WA094
14 CFR Non-U.S., Non-Commercial
Accident occurred Sunday, June 01, 2003 in Bintutu, Malaysia
Aircraft: Sikorsky S-64F, registration: N223AC
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor.
On June 1, 2003, approximately 0930 local time, a Sikorsky S-64F helicopter, N223AC, was destroyed following a forced landing after a loss of control during logging operations approximately 100 nautical miles east of Bintutu, Malaysia. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Erickson Air-Crane Inc., of Central Point, Oregon. The pilot-in-command sustained serious injuires, and the pilot acting as second-in-command sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.
It was reported that during a long-line logging operation, the pilot-in-command (PIC) noticed smoke coming from the transmission area. The PIC chose to return to the landing area. Prior to arriving at the landing zone, the helicopter experienced a total main flight control hydraulic failure. The pilot was unable to maintain control of the helicopter during the emergency landing. After touch down a post-crash fire consumed the wreckage.