Pilot Debrief

HILLER UH 12E near Wasco, CA — 2015-05-27

Final reportWPR15LA168
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Date
2015-05-27
Location
Wasco, CA, USA
Aircraft
HILLER UH 12E
Registration
N138HA
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

An in-flight impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The truck operator, who was assisting with an agricultural application operation, reported that the pilot of the helicopter had just finished spraying a small field. The helicopter landed and was serviced with fuel and water to flush the spray system. The pilot departed the immediate area, flying about 15 ft above the field. Shortly thereafter, the truck operator saw a plume of black smoke about 1/4 mile away. He drove toward the fire and saw the helicopter engulfed in flames. There were no witnesses to the accident. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that the helicopter initially impacted the field in a right-skid-low attitude. There were no anomalies observed that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the impact with terrain could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured adequate fuel before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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