Pilot Debrief

HILLER UH-12D near Deer Island, OR — 2012-08-07

Final reportWPR12LA347
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Date
2012-08-07
Location
Deer Island, OR, USA
Aircraft
HILLER UH-12D
Registration
N47035
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

A loss of helicopter control while maneuvering at low altitude for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot of the turbine-powered helicopter was conducting his seventh agricultural application flight of the day. After completing a pass and while the helicopter was about 45 ft above ground level, the pilot entered a right course-reversal turn for another pass. While the helicopter was turning, the pilot felt it shudder, and shortly thereafter, he heard a loud "bang." The helicopter then began to shake, and the pilot had little to no control. The helicopter skidded right, started descending, struck the ground, and rolled onto its right side. Postaccident examination of the helicopter did not reveal any preimpact mechanical deficiencies or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the spray run after feeling the helicopter shudder.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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