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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

October 28, 1994 · Hiller UH-12E4 · N80NW

Morton, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 28, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Morton, WA
Aircraft
Hiller UH-12E4
Tail Number
N80NW
Operator
Northwest Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA95LA013

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE PILOT INITIATED A FORCED LANDING TO AN OPEN AREA, WHERE DURING THE LANDING, THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER. AN ENGINE EXAMINATION REVEALED A LARGE QUANTITY OF WATER IN THE FUEL SYSTEM AND AN O-RING IN POOR CONDITION ON THE STEM OF THE FUEL FILLER CAP THAT ALLOWED FLUID TO LEAK THROUGH.

NTSB Probable Cause

A LEAK IN THE FUEL FILLER CAP AND WATER IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT.

Full Narrative

On October 28, 1994, at 1415 Pacific daylight time, a Hiller UH- E4, N80NW, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after take off from Morton, Washington, and collided with the terrain. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot was not injured. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR 133 for the local flight. It was reported that the helicopter with a bucket on a 20 foot line had just taken off and approximately one minute later, the pilot reported a loss of engine power. An emergency landing was made to an open area, where during the landing, the helicopter collided with the terrain and rolled over. After the helicopter was removed from the accident location and secured in a hangar, an engine examination revealed water in the main fuel line from the fire shield check valve to the fuel nozzle in the engine. Approximately one-third cup of water was found in the engine-driven fuel pump filter and approximately one quart of water was found in the airframe main fuel filter. The main fuel tank sump was drained and approximately two and-a-half gallons of water were removed before fuel began to drain. The helicopter had been parked outside during a heavy rain storm the day before. The fuel filler cap was removed and disassembled. It was found that an O-ring in the stem of the fuel cap was in very poor condition and allowed liquid to leak into the fuel system. The helicopter was not on level ground during the preflight inspection and the pilot reported that he did not detect any water in the system.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHiller UH-12E4
Tail NumberN80NW
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNorthwest Helicopters
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 6 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 52
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data