June 6, 1951 / April 9, 1952 Sikorsky S-51 / S-55 Los Angeles Airways Accidents Los Angeles, CA

June 6, 1951: This Los Angeles Airways Sikorsky S-51 was in the process of carrying mail from Los Angeles International Airport when at an altitude of about 20 feet above the ground the tail rotor failed. Pilot Gale Moore escaped without injuries.

Witnesses reported after the crash that the copter was crawling across the ground like a "giant crab" as the rotor blades continued to turn.

Cockpit of the crashed Los Angeles Airways Sikorsky S-51 Helicopter.

April 9, 1952: Again a tail rotor failure was the suspected cause of the crash of an Los Angeles Airways Sikorsky S-55 Helicopter (N4121A).

An hour before the accident, a dedication ceremony was held for the new passenger helicopter and several local dignitaries including Los Angeles Mayor Bowron, Western Airlines President Terrell C. Drinkwater, and Actress Helene Stanley were taken for a short ride.

After departing the Ambassador Hotel, the S-55 was returning to the Los Angeles Airport with five on-board.

The tail rotor failed at about 500 feet above the north edge of the airport.

Witnesses reporting seeing the helicopter spinning and falling from 500 feet.

Doctors and nurses arrived quickly to treat the two passengers with serious injuries. Visible is the buckled passenger cabin door frame.

Injured passenger.