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NTSB Report
September 20, 2018 · Hiller UH 12E Undesignat · N1349A
Frankfort, KS
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 20, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Frankfort, KS
Aircraft
Hiller UH 12E Undesignat (1960)
Tail Number
N1349A
Operator
Sky Copters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA573
The pilot in the skid-equipped helicopter reported that he established a hover over a seeding bucket so that the ground crew could attach the bucket to the helicopter's cargo hook. One of the ground crewmembers grabbed the skid while trying to connect the bucket, and subsequently, the helicopter descended, which resulted in the main rotor blades striking ground equipment. The helicopter subsequently came to rest upright on top of a grass bale in front of the equipment. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor and tail rotor drive systems. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The ground crewmember's improper grabbing of the hovering helicopter's skid during an external load hook-up, which resulted in the helicopter descending and the main rotors striking ground equipment.
Full Narrative
The pilot in the skid-equipped helicopter reported that he established a hover over a seeding bucket, so that the bucket could be attached to the helicopter's cargo hook by the ground crew. One of the ground crewmembers grabbed the skid while trying to connect the bucket, and the helicopter descended. The main rotor blades struck the auger on the seed tender. The helicopter came to rest upright, on top of a grass bale in front of the seed tender. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor and the tail rotor drive systems. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHiller UH 12E Undesignat
Tail NumberN1349A
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSky Copters
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-540-C2A · Reciprocating · 340
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 13 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.79 inHg
Observation Time12:15
Weather SourceWFAC