Aircraft
N300Y, a Sikorsky S-61L helicopter, serial number 61031 was the prototype for the S-61L, and had accumulated 11,863.64 total flying hours prior to the day of the accident. It is estimated that approximately 3.17 hours were flown on August 14, 1968. The aircraft was equipped with two General Electric CT58-140-1 turboshaft engines.
The aircraft was serviced with 1,000 pounds (450 kg) of JP-4 fuel and had a takeoff gross weight of 17,185 pounds (7,795 kg), which was below the maximum allowable takeoff weight of 19,000 pounds (8,600 kg). The computed centre of gravity at the time of the accident was 260.111 inches (660.68 cm) from datum, which is 267.4 inches (679 cm) forward of the main rotor hub centerline. The allow able limits are from 256.0 inches (650 cm) to 278.7 inches (708 cm) for a gross weight of 17,000 pounds (7,700 kg). The estimated gross weight at the time of the accident was 17,118 pounds (7,765 kg).
Read more about this topic: Los Angeles Airways Flight 417