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NTSB Report
November 29, 1986 · Hiller UH-12B · N48209
Capac, MI
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 29, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Capac, MI
Aircraft
Hiller UH-12B
Tail Number
N48209
Operator
Mark W Smith
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI87LA045
TEN MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF AND JUST PRIOR TO LETDOWN FROM 350 FEET AGL A MAIN ROTOR BLADE DRAG STRUT FAILED DUE TO PROGRESSIVE FATIGUE THROUGH A THREADED PORTION OF THE STRUT. ONLY PARTIAL CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER WAS POSSIBLE AFTER THE FAILURE. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AT ONE POINT, BUT REGAINED CONTROL IN TIME TO PERFORM A HARD, SLIDING LANDING IN A FIELD. SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE OCCURRED. THE ENTIRE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS TOOK PLACE IN 10-15 SECONDS. THE PLT HAD A PRIVATE CERT FOR FIXED WING AND A STUDENT CERT FOR ROTORCRAFT.
Full Narrative
TEN MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF AND JUST PRIOR TO LETDOWN FROM 350 FEET AGL A MAIN ROTOR BLADE DRAG STRUT FAILED DUE TO PROGRESSIVE FATIGUE THROUGH A THREADED PORTION OF THE STRUT. ONLY PARTIAL CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER WAS POSSIBLE AFTER THE FAILURE. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AT ONE POINT, BUT REGAINED CONTROL IN TIME TO PERFORM A HARD, SLIDING LANDING IN A FIELD. SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE OCCURRED. THE ENTIRE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS TOOK PLACE IN 10-15 SECONDS. THE PLT HAD A PRIVATE CERT FOR FIXED WING AND A STUDENT CERT FOR ROTORCRAFT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:08 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHiller UH-12B
Tail NumberN48209
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMark W Smith
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6V3355D · Reciprocating · 210
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
WindCalm
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO