# FAA incident reports: Lycoming VO-540 series A list on [Lycoming VO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-540-series.md). Matched to the registry by N-number and event date, newest first. Page 1 of 7 · 349 reports - [Accident 20250811010179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20250811010179A.md): Hiller UH-12E · Snohomish, WA · Aug 11, 2025 · N703WA · Substantial damage > Pilot stated he crossed underneath powerlines to continue spraying product then made a right sharp turn. The pilot stated that he was a little low and then met a slight tailwind causing the agriculture sprayer right boom to impact the ground. The main rotor… - [Accident 20220706012029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20220706012029A.md): Hiller UH-12E · Wenatchee, WA · Jul 6, 2022 · N130HA · Destroyed > Pilot was drying cherries when he made a turn and hit power lines that went through the field. After hitting the power lines the main rotor separated from the aircraft and the aircraft crash landed on a tractor that was drying cherries from the ground. The… - [Incident 20220313003179I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20220313003179I.md): Piper PA-32-301T · Broomfield, CO · Mar 13, 2022 · N8305W · Minor damage > On March 13, 2022 at 1850Z, N8305W maneuvered off the south side of runway 12L during the landing rollout at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (bjc). The aircraft impacted runway signage along the runway edge and received minor damage. The aircraft was able… - [Incident 20220219002209I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20220219002209I.md): Bell 47G-4A · Titusville, FL · Feb 19, 2022 · N1342X · Minor damage > Pilot was with a student who had about 100 hours in helicopters. They were practicing a circling approach and student was directed to hover over the landing area, but instead was setting it down. Realizing the decent rate was to fast and the mis-communication… - [Accident 20220209002829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20220209002829A.md): Hiller UH-12E4 · Stewartstown, PA · Feb 9, 2022 · N64741 · Substantial damage > On 2/9/2022, the PIC of N64741 departed harford county airfield (0W3) enroute to Shoestring airport (0P2) on a VFR flight. On arrival to 0P2, the PIC elected to make his approach downwind to the strip heading 060 into the airfield. The pilot made this… - [Accident 20170820013489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170820013489A.md): Bell 47G-2A · Saint Marys, PA · Aug 20, 2017 · N9526 · Substantial damage > The PIC / student pilot was flying solo for approximately 1.5 hours on the day the accident occurred. He stated that he was flying to and from the airport sightseeing as the sole occupant of the aircraft. There is no evidence the pic/student pilot was being… - [Incident 20160805013459I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20160805013459I.md): Piper PA-32-301T · Everglades Park, FL · Aug 5, 2016 · N8305W · Minor damage > August 5, 2016 at approximately 11:30 am local time, N8305W, a PA-32-301T Piper saratoga fixed gear airplane, experienced an engine failure. The airplane was 38 miles south west of frrdy intersection at 2,500 feet altitude. The airplane had only the pilot… - [Accident 20150725014259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20150725014259A.md): Bell 47G-4A · De Queen, AR · Jul 25, 2015 · N1420W · Substantial damage > On July 25, 2015, at approximately 0730 CDT, a Bell 47G-4A, N1420W, registered to hammock flying service, inc., lifted to a hover from a platform atop a fuel truck located at De Queen, Arkansas. During the hover, the aircraft lost lift, descending alongside… - [Accident 20150724011709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20150724011709A.md): Bell 47G-4A · Gilbert, IA · Jul 24, 2015 · N1396X · Substantial damage > After completing aerial application, the pilot climbed up to an altitude of approximately 150 AGL over the corn field. The airman then nosed the aircraft over to fly to a landing site nearby. The airspeed was described by the pilot as slow when he nosed the… - [Accident 20150328004619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20150328004619A.md): Hiller UH-12E · Firebaugh, CA · Mar 28, 2015 · N130HA · Substantial damage > While conducting an aerial application on young almond trees the helicopter engine quit and the pilot redirected the helicopter into the wind and made an emergency let down to the ground. The impact with the trees and ground sheared off the tail rotor and… - [Accident 20140825018029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20140825018029A.md): Hiller UH-12E · Cape May County, NJ · Aug 25, 2014 · N4035A · Substantial damage > Aircraft was intiating a cruise climb climbing through 300 feet heading in a westerley direction at 50KTS when a loud bang accompanied by a vibration with a sudden loss of altitude. The pilot also stated that the bang and vibration continued until impact with… - [Accident 20131209023649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20131209023649A.md): Hiller UH-12E · Madera, CA · Dec 9, 2013 · N36MV · Substantial damage > The aircraft was performing agricultural flight operations, frost control, when the torsional coupling failed. Being at low altitude, the RPM went quickly resulting in a hard landing. The main rotor made contact with the tail boom, the skids were damaged, the… - [Incident 20130729014999I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20130729014999I.md): Bell 47G-4A · Beaman, IA · Jul 29, 2013 · N1396X · Minor damage > The airman was conducting agricultural aerial application in a cornfield. He had conducted multiple passes in this field. The field had electrical transmission lines that were running through the field. The airman was aware of the wires had conducted multiple… - [Accident 20120222005279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20120222005279A.md): Texas Helicopter OH-13E/M74 · Farmington, CA · Feb 22, 2012 · N43921 · Destroyed > A ag air agricultural operator, certificate designator(mbdg) pilot [privacy data omitted] was flying solo spraying a field of wheat and while performing a turn had passed out or lost consciousness. Evidence shows that the helicopter main rotor struck field… - [Accident 20110618012569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20110618012569A.md): Bell 47G-4A · Five Miles West, MO · Jun 18, 2011 · N24HM · Substantial damage > Agricultural helicopter N24HM landed on top of the service vehicle to be serviced with fuel and product by the vehicle driver. Fuel was reportedly added to 25 gallons total and the spray tanks were serviced with tank cleaner to a quantity indicating 70… - [Accident 20110325004879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20110325004879A.md): Hiller UH-12E · Culpepper, VA · Mar 25, 2011 · N4033P · Substantial damage > Upon arriving at the job site to begin aerial application the pilot noted an uncommanded increase in engine RPM accompanied by a loss of lift. He reduced collective in an attempt to preserve rotor RPM and initiated auto rotation. There was insufficient rotor… - [Accident 20110226002689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20110226002689A.md): Hiller UH-12E · Colusa, CA · Feb 26, 2011 · N236HA · Substantial damage > During a manuever in an almond orchard, the pilot flew the aircraft from a cross wind direction to a downwind direction during a manuever in an almond orchard, the pilot flew the aircraft from a cross wind direction to a downwind direction and allowed the… - [Accident 20101218054619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20101218054619A.md): Piper PA 46-350P · Lake Elmo, MN · Dec 18, 2010 · N92358 · Substantial damage > Departed VFR from ft lauderdale FL 0830 on 12/17/2010. Landed bowling green, KY,(kbwg) flight was uneventful. Refueled 89.9 gals, mains filled (120 gals). Departed kbwg at 1340, approx 1 hour into flight at approx 15,000FT received rapid decompression, pilot… - [Accident 20100624036009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100624036009A.md): Hiller UH-12E · Grand Junction, CO · Jun 24, 2010 · N9754C · Substantial damage > After completing a new annual inspection the aircraft was taken for a short flight. While hover taxiing the helicopter lost power and veered toward a light post. The pilot set it down hard breaking the right skid off as it rolled onto its side. No injuries. - [Accident 20100608034879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100608034879A.md): Bell 47G-4A · Shaw Island, WA · Jun 8, 2010 · N7069J · Substantial damage > On June 9, 2010, during a telephone interview with the PIC, [privacy data omitted], he stated that the helicopter, Bell 47G (N7069J) which was equipped with two fixed floats, took-off from a private airstrip on Shaw Island along with passenger [privacy data… - [Accident 20100202026659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100202026659A.md): Hiller UH-12E · Los Banos, CA · Feb 2, 2010 · N36MV · Substantial damage > When returning to the load truck after completion of an aerial application the pilot noticed that his throttle did not respond. The pilot was at an altitude of 50 ft when he noticed the loss of throttle control. The aircraft engine was slowly loosing engine… - [Accident 20100122026059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100122026059A.md): Bell 47G-4A · Shafter, CA · Jan 22, 2010 · N28938 · Substantial damage > Pilot stated he was nearing his first aerial application pass traveling in a northwest direction, turning and decending. Approximate altitude of 80 feet and airspeed of about 70 mph. He heard a 'pop' and experienced vibration. He decided to land close to a… - [Accident 20100101025799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100101025799A.md): Hiller UH-12E · Tipton, CA · Jan 1, 2010 · N440NR · Substantial damage > Weather was overcast for the first part of the flight. When the sun came out during a swath run, the pilot propped up the collective with his knee and reached up to lower his helmet visor. At the same time, the helicopter flew through some turbulence and… - [Accident 20090811017449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20090811017449A.md): Bell 47G2A · Bangor Townshi, MI · Aug 11, 2009 · N9526 · Substantial damage > The Bell 47 departed rensselar, in airport (rzl) after topping off both fuel tanks, enroute to wabasis lake airport (M180) in greenville, MI. At approx 1530 EDT, the aircraft experienced a complete engine failure/power loss. The pilot entered into… - [Accident 20090611010329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20090611010329A.md): Hiller UH12E · Stringtown, OK · Jun 11, 2009 · N34SD · Substantial damage > A mechanic at the repair facility the wreckage was taken to, advises he was told, that on the first load of the day the helicopter hopper tanks were loaded with herbicide and shortly after the lift off the helicopter began to settle. The pilot lowered the… - [Accident 20081030851229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20081030851229A.md): Hiller UH12E · Power River, WY · Oct 30, 2008 · N61436 · Destroyed > (-23) Control rotor blade assy shaft broke at outer attach bolt hole. - [Accident 20081011850229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20081011850229A.md): Bell 47J2A · Florence, AZ · Oct 11, 2008 · N8567F · Substantial damage > (-23) The pilot and 2 passengers departed kdvt at 0900 MST en route to a remote location located at N32.59.30 W111.20.46. The pilot states that upon arrival to the landng location he flew over the site and entered a downwind leg and began a shallow descent.… - [Accident 20080815850449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080815850449A.md): Hiller UH12E · Jacksonville, FL · Aug 15, 2008 · N945HA · Destroyed > (-23) The helicopter, a Hiller UH-12E was conducting an aerial spraying application to a corn field. During the first pass over the corn field the helicopter struck a power line crossing the cornfield and crashed into the field along side a north south road.… - [Accident 20080724850309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080724850309A.md): Bell 47G4A · Mayville, WI · Jul 24, 2008 · N24HM · Minor damage · 1 fatal > (-23) After lifting off from the chemical truck to begin spraying application, the witness on the truck stated that the aircraft was able to move forward but not gain altitude. He reported hearing a rhythmic miss coming from the engine. While setting the… - [Accident 20080407833479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080407833479A.md): Hiller UH12E · Quinton, OK · Apr 7, 2008 · N34SD · Substantial damage > (-23) On April 7, 2008, the pilot of N34SD was returning to a loading area in his helicopter, a Hiller 12E, N34SD after an aerial application in a field near Quinton, OK. According to the pilot, at approximately one mile from the loading area at 1000' AGL and… - [Accident 20080404832169A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080404832169A.md): Hiller UH12E · La Porte, TX · Apr 4, 2008 · N40289 · Substantial damage > (-23) Aircraft control was lost while doing hover practice in the grassy area at the approach end of runway 05 at the La Porte (T41) airport. Pilot stated he could not gain control of aircraft after turning downwind. Pilot decided to make a run on landing and… - [Incident 20060901017779I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060901017779I.md): Hiller UH12E · Luxora, AR · Sep 1, 2006 · N8402D · Minor damage > (-23) Pilot stated he was working ag operations for about 20 minutes on this flight. He made a normal field entry and was established on his spray run. The left torque pedal went completely forward with no response and the aircraft began a slow rotation to… - [Incident 20060120001549I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060120001549I.md): Piper PA46350P · Pensacola, FL · Jan 20, 2006 · N92358 · Minor damage > (-23) Via flight pns a/c departed foley, al enroute to bhm over beach area - approx. 15 minutes into flight engine quit without warning. Pilot executed emergency gear up landing on hwy - minimum damage sustained to a/c, no injuries reported. [privacy data… - [Accident 20051022027559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20051022027559A.md): Hiller UH12E · Pasadena, TX · Oct 22, 2005 · N909BC · Substantial damage > (-23) Pilot stated that the aircraft lost power. As the aircraft was in autorotation it hit a petroleum coke mound at about the 200 foot mark and rolled down about 150 feet. N909BC departed (efd) ellington field, houston, Texas with hobbs meter reading… - [Accident 20050921020819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050921020819A.md): Hiller UH12E · Five Points, CA · Sep 21, 2005 · N141HA · Substantial damage > (-23) On 9/21/2005, at approximately 2200 hours PDT, Hiller UH-12E helicopter, N141HA, crashed approximately 12.5 miles west of Five Points, CA. N141HA, operated by huron ag helicopters, was conducting agricultural aerial application operations under 14 CFR… - [Accident 20050525010219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050525010219A.md): Bell 47G4A · Buttonwillow, CA · May 25, 2005 · N110DT · Destroyed > (-23) The pilot knew that the power lines were near the edge of the field but failed to miss them as he approached the cotton field on his second pass. An onscene investigation was not necessary due to pictures from the kern county sheriffs department and the… - [Accident 20050523011759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050523011759A.md): Hiller UH12E · Estacada, OR · May 23, 2005 · N3030H · Substantial damage > (-23) During takeoff from a trailer, prior to commencing aerial application operations, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind from the left causing an uncommanded yaw to the left, the right skid of the helicopter became lodged under the right edge of the… - [Accident 20040731017899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20040731017899A.md): Bell 47G2 · La Porte, TX · Jul 31, 2004 · N7892B · Destroyed > (-23) On July 31, 2004, approximately 1900 central daylight time, a Bell 47-G2 single-engine helicopter, N7892B, was destroyed during a precautionary autorotation landing following a reported loss of manifold pressure near La Porte, Texas. The helicopter was… - [Accident 20040426009029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20040426009029A.md): Hiller UH12E · Haines, OR · Apr 26, 2004 · N9785C · Substantial damage > (-23) While returning to his main base following an aerial application job, at approximately 100 feet or less AGL the pilot heard a loud bang in the helicopter and loss of power. He immediately executed an emergency landing whereupon the left skid tube… - [Accident 20040403004479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20040403004479A.md): Bell 47G4A · Shafter, CA · Apr 3, 2004 · N7NB · Substantial damage > (-23) During aerial application, the rotorcraft experienced loss of tail rotor authority. Further investigation revealed that all hangar bearings, spline-coupling shafts and gearing (output quill) from the transmission to the tail rotor gearbox appeared to be… - [Incident 20040319006589I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20040319006589I.md): Bell 47G4A · Detroit, MI · Mar 19, 2004 · N55ZD · Minor damage > (-23) Number 4 connecting rod failed. In level flight helicopter lost power. The pilot autorotated to a safe landing in the grass along the south side of runway 27L. Inspection revealed the number 4 connecting rod failed. - [Accident 20030909036289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030909036289A.md): Hiller UH12E · Kekaha, HI · Sep 9, 2003 · N9792C · Destroyed > (-23) This was a part 137 aerial application operation on the island of kauai, vicinity of barking sands, pmfr. The PIC was not aware wires were in the vicinity of where he was operating and stated he did not see the wires until it impacted the front canopy… - [Accident 20030627013009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030627013009A.md): Hiller UH12E · Elk Mound, WI · Jun 27, 2003 · N62417 · Destroyed > (-23) While applying fungicide to a field of potatoes, the helicopter encountered a whirlwind, causing the pilot to lose control and contact the crop with the helicopter's skid and spray boom. The pilot indicated that he was just beginning his last swath run… - [Accident 20030613011409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030613011409A.md): Bell 47G4 · Portervill, CA · Jun 13, 2003 · N9017N · Destroyed · 1 fatal > (-23) After completing application on a field the pilot returned to truck for fuel and chemical for the next corn field. Instead of flying west to the next field to be sprayed, the pilot flew sw and then began a left turning arc eventually heading north,… - [Accident 20030512011309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030512011309A.md): Bell 47G4 · Levi, TX · May 12, 2003 · N4205D · Substantial damage > (-23) The pilot stated that he was doing a quick stop maneuver when the tail impacted the ground. The helicopter then made a very hard landing on the left skid which broke and the helicopter rolled to the left. - [Incident 20020807025629I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020807025629I.md): Piper PA32R301T · Miami, FL · Aug 7, 2002 · N8306E > (-23) After further investigation at wes air in opf, this office found that the engine exhausted all of the oil through the hose that is between the turbocharger and the back of the engine. Hose is an aero quip/asa p/n AE663039HO186, lw 848/83/186,… - [Accident 20020623015009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020623015009A.md): Bell 47G4A · Grandlake, LA · Jun 23, 2002 · N62446 · No damage > (-23) During take off from an unimproved landing area a passenger blocked the cyclic control resulting in the right skid contacting the ground. The aircraft then rolled over and crashed. The aircraft experienced a post crash fire and was destroyed. All… - [Accident 20020525015489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020525015489A.md): Bell 47G4A · Yauco, Puerto Rico · May 25, 2002 · N6SR · No damage · 1 fatal > (-23) During cruise flight pilot noticed partial loss of engine power, he also noticed engine oil pressure reading low. Pilot decided to do a precautionary landing in a parking lot spotted from the air. He touched down at the parking lot too close to parked… - [Accident 20020524019919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020524019919A.md): Bell 47G4 · Muncie, IN · May 24, 2002 · N1915B · Destroyed > (.19) On may 24, 2002, at 1420 central daylight time, helicopter Bell 47G-4, N1915B, owned and piloted by a commercial pilot, was destroyed when the main rotor blade inadvertently struck a light pole and the aircraft rolled over in Muncie, Indiana. The flight… - [Accident 20020501012289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020501012289A.md): Bell 47J2A · Blairstown, NJ · May 1, 2002 · N37731 · Substantial damage > (.19) On may 1, 2002, about 1430 eastern daylight time, a Bell 47J-2A helicopter, N37731, was substantially damaged while landing at the Blairstown Airport, Blairstown, new jersey. The certificated commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual… Next page: https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-540-series/incidents.md?page=2 ## The whole list in SQL Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS: ```sql SELECT report_number, event_date, event_type, city, state, aircraft_make, aircraft_model, aircraft_damage, fatal_injuries, n_number FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_incident_report.parquet' WHERE engine_model_code IN ('41534', '41582') ORDER BY event_date DESC, report_number DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-540-series/incidents --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.