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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

June 24, 1998 · Hiller UH-12E · N86663

Park Rapids, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 24, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Park Rapids, MN
Aircraft
Hiller UH-12E
Tail Number
N86663
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI98LA218

The pilot stated that the conditions were congested (semi-confined) in the area of takeoff. He said that wind gusts, or turbulence surrounding nearby buildings may have contributed to the loss of control during initial climb, when the helicopter pitched down and rolled to the left prior to impact with the terrain.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain control of aircraft. Factors were the congested helipad conditions and wind gusts.

Full Narrative

On June 24, 1998, at 1130 central daylight time, a Hiller UH-12E, N86663, impacted the terrain during an initial takeoff climb near Park Rapids, Minnesota. The commercial pilot received no injuries and the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The helicopter was being operated as a commercial flight under 14 CFR 137 when the accident occurred. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The pilot said that he was departing to the south in a "semi-confined" area adjacent to two warehouses. He thought that he might have encountered a wind gust or "dust devil" which caused the helicopter to pitch down and roll to the left, prior to impact with the terrain. No pre-impact anomalies were found in an inspection of the helicopter subsequent to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHiller UH-12E
Tail NumberN86663
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-C2A · Reciprocating
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data