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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 4, 1994 · Hiller UH-12E · N90469

Osage, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 4, 1994
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Osage, AR
Aircraft
Hiller UH-12E
Tail Number
N90469
Operator
Evergreen Helicopters
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW94LA144

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE HELICOPTER WAS SERVICED WITH 30 GALLONS OF FUEL FOR AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT TO DISPENSE 100 GALLONS OF PESTICIDES. AFTER A 45 MINUTE SORTIE, THE HELICOPTER WAS EN ROUTE BACK TO THE LOADING SITE, OVER HEAVILY WOODED MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, WHEN THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE ENGINE REGAINED POWER TEMPORARILY, AND LOST POWER FOR A SECOND TIME 5 TO 8 SECONDS LATER. THE PILOT AUTOROTATED ABOVE THE TREE TOPS AND SETTLED THROUGH THE TREES COMING TO REST IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A FUEL SPILL AND NO FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL CELL. THE AVERAGE FUEL BURN RATE IS 25 TO 26 GALLONS PER HOUR. THE ENGINE WAS SUCCESSFULLY RUN IN AN ENGINE TEST CELL.

NTSB Probable Cause

FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.

Full Narrative

On May 4, 1994, at 1830 central daylight time, a Hiller UH-12E helicopter, N90469, was substantially damaged following a loss of engine power near Osage, Arkansas. The airline transport rated pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight. According to the operator, the turbine powered helicopter was supporting a gypsy moth eradication program within the Ozark National Forest. The pilot stated that the helicopter was serviced with 100 gallons pesticides and 30 gallons of Jet A fuel for the ninth sortie of the day. Approximately 45 minutes later, while en route back to the load site, the engine lost power. The pilot stated that he entered autorotation, and the engine auto reignite restarted the engine. The pilot added that he turned towards an open field to make a precautionary landing, and approximately 5 to 8 seconds later, the engine lost power for the second time. The pilot reentered an autorotation to the heavily wooded area ahead and was able stop all forward motion above the tree tops, settling through the trees. After falling 40 to 50 feet, the helicopter came to rest in the upright position lodged between the tree trunks. According to the operator, the fuel cell and the fuel lines were not compromised during the crash sequence. No fuel was found in the fuel cell, and there was no evidence of a fuel spill on the ground. According to the engine manufacturer, the average fuel burn rate is 25 to 26 gallons per hour. A successful engine run was accomplished in a test cell, and no anomalies were found with either the fuel control or associated fuel system components.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHiller UH-12E
Tail NumberN90469
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorEvergreen Helicopters
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data