Pilot Debrief

HILLER UH-12E near Tipton, CA — 2010-01-01

Final reportWPR10CA094
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Date
2010-01-01
Location
Tipton, CA, USA
Airport
VIS
Aircraft
HILLER UH-12E
Registration
N440NR
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain.

NTSB narrative

While maneuvering at low level over a field during an aerial application flight, the helicopter pilot took his hand off the collective to adjust the sun visor because the sun was in his eyes. The pilot reported that he had used his leg to block the collective from moving as he adjusted the visor. The helicopter hit mild turbulence and bumped his leg away from the collective. The collective slipped down, and the helicopter impacted the ground and rolled over on its side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and cockpit. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter's flight control system or engine prior to the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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