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NTSB Report
April 12, 1985 · Hiller UH12J3 · N545HA
Klamath, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 12, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Klamath, CA
Aircraft
Hiller UH12J3
Tail Number
N545HA
Operator
Western Helicopter Services
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX85FA199
THE HELICOPTER WAS RETURNING TO A PRIVATE LANDING PAD AFTER A RECONAISANCE FLIGHT PRIOR TO SPRATING. AT ABOUT 10FT AGL AFTER FLARING AND LEVELING THE PILOT COULD NOT CONTROL A DRIFT AND ROLL TO THE LEFT. THE ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND WITHIN ABOUT ONE SECOND. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT A SELF LOCKING NUT WAS MISSING AND A BOLT HAD BACKED OUT OF THE UPPER FIREWALL BELLCRANK ASSEMBLY RESUTLTING IN THE LOSSOF CYCLIC CONTROL.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER WAS RETURNING TO A PRIVATE LANDING PAD AFTER A RECONAISANCE FLIGHT PRIOR TO SPRATING. AT ABOUT 10FT AGL AFTER FLARING AND LEVELING THE PILOT COULD NOT CONTROL A DRIFT AND ROLL TO THE LEFT. THE ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND WITHIN ABOUT ONE SECOND. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT A SELF LOCKING NUT WAS MISSING AND A BOLT HAD BACKED OUT OF THE UPPER FIREWALL BELLCRANK ASSEMBLY RESUTLTING IN THE LOSSOF CYCLIC CONTROL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:45 PST
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHiller UH12J3
Tail NumberN545HA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorWestern Helicopter Services
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20 · Turboshaft · 400
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT