Pilot Debrief

HILLER UH12E near Rockledge, FL — 2025-04-06

Investigation ongoingERA25LA167
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Date
2025-04-06
Location
Rockledge, FL, USA
Airport
COI
Aircraft
HILLER UH12E
Registration
N48263
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

NTSB has not published a probable cause for this accident yet. Preliminary reports describe what happened; the cause is determined later, often 12–24 months after the event.

NTSB narrative

On April 6, 2025, about 1020 eastern daylight time, a Hiller UH-12E, N48263, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Rockledge, Florida. The private pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ADS-B data and pilot information, the pilot made a left turn and proceeded in a southwest direction climbing to 600 ft barometric altitude. The helicopter remained on that heading, flying between 68 and 70 knots indicated airspeed until about 1019:48, when the pilot stated that he felt deceleration and the helicopter turned to the right and began flying in a northerly direction. The pilot stated that he had no recollection of anything that occurred after the right turn, but witness video depicted the helicopter yawing left and right about the vertical axis while descending vertically. Before the helicopter went out of view behind trees, the helicopter was yawing slightly to the left. During the video, sound from the rotor(s) and engine could be heard. The helicopter impacted on the infield of a baseball field and came to rest on its right side. Fuel leakage was noted at the sight. The helicopter was recovered and retained for further examination.

Preliminary NTSB coding

  • Abrupt maneuver · Enroute-cruise
View NTSB preliminary report

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