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NTSB Report
July 2, 1991 · Hiller UH-12D · N94515
Savoy, IL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 2, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Savoy, IL
Aircraft
Hiller UH-12D
Tail Number
N94515
Operator
Board of Trustees-U of I
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI91LA205
THE COMMERCIAL AIRPLANE PILOT WAS PERFORMING 'QUICK STOP' MANEUVERS WHILE PRACTICING FOR HIS HELICOPTER RATING. HE REPORTED THAT HE ENTERED THE MANEUVER AT 20 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND, THEN MADE SEVERAL ADJUSTMENTS WITH BOTH CYCLIC AND COLLECTIVE IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM AND ALTITUDE. THE HELICOPTER DESCENDED DURING THE MANEUVER AND THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK THE GROUND. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE BEGAN TO LOSE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AFTER THE TAIL ROTOR GROUND CONTACT, SO HE REDUCED COLLECTIVE AND MADE A HARD LANDING ON THE GRASS ADJACENT TO THE RUNWAY.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN TAIL ROTOR CLEARANCE FROM THE GROUND. A RELATED FACTOR IS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN HELICOPTERS.
Full Narrative
THE COMMERCIAL AIRPLANE PILOT WAS PERFORMING 'QUICK STOP' MANEUVERS WHILE PRACTICING FOR HIS HELICOPTER RATING. HE REPORTED THAT HE ENTERED THE MANEUVER AT 20 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND, THEN MADE SEVERAL ADJUSTMENTS WITH BOTH CYCLIC AND COLLECTIVE IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM AND ALTITUDE. THE HELICOPTER DESCENDED DURING THE MANEUVER AND THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK THE GROUND. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE BEGAN TO LOSE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AFTER THE TAIL ROTOR GROUND CONTACT, SO HE REDUCED COLLECTIVE AND MADE A HARD LANDING ON THE GRASS ADJACENT TO THE RUNWAY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 CDT
Nearest AirportChampaign-Willard (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHiller UH-12D
Tail NumberN94515
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBoard of Trustees-U of I
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · V0-435-23C-8 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 5 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO