Hiller UH-12D N47035

Summary

On 7 August 2012 at about 14:15 local time, a Hiller UH-12D registered N47035, operated by Western Helicopter Services Inc, was involved in an accident near Deer Island, Oregon, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

7 August 2012 at 14:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Deer Island, Oregon, United States

Coordinates

45.9178, -122.8539

Aircraft

Hiller UH-12D

Registration

N47035

Category

Helicopter

Year built

1959

Engines

1

Operator

Western Helicopter Services Inc

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Deer Island → Deer Island

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR12LA347

1 person had minor injuries.

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.

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

Read the full 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.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.