Hiller UH-12E N62417

Summary

On 27 June 2003 at about 22:45 local time, a Hiller UH-12E registered N62417 was involved in an accident near Elk Mound, Wisconsin, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

27 June 2003 at 22:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Elk Mound, Wisconsin, United States

Coordinates

44.8067, -91.6867

Aircraft

Hiller UH-12E

Registration

N62417

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Elk Mound → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI03LA185

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were the whirlwind, the turbulence, and the helicopter's low altitude.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter impacted terrain after encountering a reported "whirlwind." The pilot reported he was on a spray pass at a "good altitude" and at 55 miles per hour. The pilot noted he saw the whirlwind but was not concerned. The pilot stated, "suddenly it felt [he] was slammed into the ground and out of control." The pilot reported the helicopter cartwheeled about 60 to 100 feet before coming to a stop.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.