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May 24, 1987 · Hiller UH-12D (H23) UH-12D (H2 · N6408
Spartanburg, SC
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 24, 1987
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Location
Spartanburg, SC
Aircraft
Hiller UH-12D (H23) UH-12D (H2
Tail Number
N6408
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL87FA147
DURING A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT ABOVE THE TREETOPS, THE PASSENGER REPORTED THAT THEY HEARD A LOUD 'POP' OVER THE SOUND OF THE ENGINE. THE PLT TOLD HER THAT THEY WERE GOING DOWN AND SHE NOTICED THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES BEGAN TO TURN SLOWER THAN USUAL BEFORE THE HELO COLLIDED WITH TREES AND THEN THE GROUND. A PROLONGED POST IMPACT GROUND FIRE CONSUMED THE WRECKAGE. THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS, ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY DID NOT REVEAL ANY EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION. THE FUEL AND IGNITION SYSTEM WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED BY FIRE AND WAS UNABLE TO BE EVALUATED. ASSOCIATES OF THE PILOT STATED THAT HE USUALLY OPERATED AT APPROX 200 FT AGL.
Full Narrative
DURING A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT ABOVE THE TREETOPS, THE PASSENGER REPORTED THAT THEY HEARD A LOUD 'POP' OVER THE SOUND OF THE ENGINE. THE PLT TOLD HER THAT THEY WERE GOING DOWN AND SHE NOTICED THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES BEGAN TO TURN SLOWER THAN USUAL BEFORE THE HELO COLLIDED WITH TREES AND THEN THE GROUND. A PROLONGED POST IMPACT GROUND FIRE CONSUMED THE WRECKAGE. THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS, ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY DID NOT REVEAL ANY EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION. THE FUEL AND IGNITION SYSTEM WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED BY FIRE AND WAS UNABLE TO BE EVALUATED. ASSOCIATES OF THE PILOT STATED THAT HE USUALLY OPERATED AT APPROX 200 FT AGL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHiller UH-12D (H23) UH-12D (H2
Tail NumberN6408
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-435-23C-R · Reciprocating · 260
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 63 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 9 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC