Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

July 1, 2004 · Bell UH-1H · N128FC

Childs, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 1, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Childs, FL
Aircraft
Bell UH-1H
Tail Number
N128FC
Operator
Usda Forest Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL04TA142

According to the pilot after landing, he noticed that one of the skids were off of the pavement and was beginning to settle in the ground. The pilot lifted the helicopter to reposition the skid on the pavement. At the same time, the refuel trailer was being pulled forward towards the helicopter. After the helicopter was positioned on the pavement, the refueling trailer continued towards the helicopter until it struck the right synchronized elevator on the tail boom assembly. Examination of the helicopter revealed the right synchronized elevator was buckled. No flight control or mechanical anomalies were reported by the pilot. Review of the USDA Forest Service operating procedures revealed that there were no operating procedures for "hot" refueling. Subsequent to this accident procedures have been adopted to prevent another reoccurrence of this accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The vehicle driver's inadequate visual lookout and his failure to maintain clearance. A factor was the lack of company standards and operation procedures.

Full Narrative

On June 30, 2004, at 2000 eastern daylight time, a Bell UH-1H helicopter, N128FC, registered to and operated by the USDA Forest Service FEPP, was struck by a fuel trailer while the driver of the refueling vehicle positioned to refuel the standing helicopter near Childs, Florida. The public use flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The commercial pilot was uninjured and helicopter sustained substantial damaged. The flight was participating in a wildlife fire operation in the vicinity of Childs, Florida, on June 30, 2004 at 1800. According to the pilot, while participating in a wildfire operation, he maneuvered the helicopter to land and conduct a "hot" refueling. After landing, the pilot noticed that one of the skids were off of the pavement and was beginning to settle in the ground. The pilot lifted the helicopter to reposition the skid on the pavement. At the same time, the refuel trailer was being pulled forward towards the helicopter. After the helicopter was positioned on the pavement, the refueling trailer continued towards the helicopter until it struck the right synchronized elevator on the tail boom assembly. Examination of the helicopter revealed the right synchronized elevator was buckled. No flight control or mechanical anomalies were reported by the pilot. Review of the USDA Forest Service operating procedures revealed that there were no operating procedures for "hot" refueling. Subsequent to this accident procedures have been adopted to prevent reoccurrence of this type accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell UH-1H
Tail NumberN128FC
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorUsda Forest Service
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsLycoming · T53-L-703 · Turboshaft · 1600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind110° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 7000 ft
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time23:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data