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NTSB Report
September 29, 1986 · Hiller UH-12E · N5385V
Visalia, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 29, 1986
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Visalia, CA
Aircraft
Hiller UH-12E
Tail Number
N5385V
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX86DVA17
WHILE EXECUTING A 90 DEG/270 DEG COURSE REVERSAL TURN, THE PLT LOST CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER WHICH COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. GROUND WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE PLT HAD COMPLETED SPRAYING A COTTON FIELD AND ADVISED THE GROUND FLAGGER THAT THE WINDS HAD CHANGED TO A DOWNWIND CONDITION. THE PLT THEN EXECUTED THE COURSE REVERSLA MANEUVER WHICH WAS DESCRIBED AS A 'SLOW AIRSPEED, TIGHT RIGHT TURN, FOLLOWED BY A TIGHT LEFT TURN.' THE HELICOPTER CRASHED DURING THE LEFT TURN AND WAS DESTROYED BY IMPACT FORCES AND POST-IMPACT FIRE. EXAMINATION OF THE HELICOPTER DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PRE-EXISTING MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES.
Full Narrative
WHILE EXECUTING A 90 DEG/270 DEG COURSE REVERSAL TURN, THE PLT LOST CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER WHICH COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. GROUND WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE PLT HAD COMPLETED SPRAYING A COTTON FIELD AND ADVISED THE GROUND FLAGGER THAT THE WINDS HAD CHANGED TO A DOWNWIND CONDITION. THE PLT THEN EXECUTED THE COURSE REVERSLA MANEUVER WHICH WAS DESCRIBED AS A 'SLOW AIRSPEED, TIGHT RIGHT TURN, FOLLOWED BY A TIGHT LEFT TURN.' THE HELICOPTER CRASHED DURING THE LEFT TURN AND WAS DESTROYED BY IMPACT FORCES AND POST-IMPACT FIRE. EXAMINATION OF THE HELICOPTER DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PRE-EXISTING MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:40 PDT
Nearest AirportVisalia Muni. (4nm E)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHiller UH-12E
Tail NumberN5385V
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-540-9A · Reciprocating · 305
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT