Pilot Debrief

HILLER UH-12E near Holly Hill, SC — 2010-07-29

Final reportERA10LA383
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Date
2010-07-29
Location
Holly Hill, SC, USA
Aircraft
HILLER UH-12E
Registration
N104HH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Autorotation

Probable cause

Maintenance personnel's improper inspection and cleaning of the fuel nozzle, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that as he approached a tree line for aerial application his chemical ran out. As he turned back to reload the chemical, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot quickly conducted an autorotation and collided with trees before coming to rest on the ground. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the combustion chamber fuel spray nozzle was clogged with carbon and soot deposits, which is likely the result of the nozzle not being properly inspected and cleaned during the last 100-hour inspection. A review of the engine maintenance logbooks revealed that the last 100-hour inspection was completed 41 days prior to the accident. According to the aircraft Hobbs time, the engine accumulated 40 hours since the 100-hour inspection.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Inspect and clean the fuel nozzle during the last 100-hour inspection.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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