Hiller UH-12E N4029R accident, Cameron, SC, Sep 5, 1983 · NTSB ATL83LA355

Sequence of events

NTSB’s coding before 2008: each occurrence and phase of flight, and the causes and factors under it. The codes are defined in NTSB’s coding manual.

Airframe/component/system failure/malfunctionManeuvering - aerial application

Rotor drive system,engine to transmission drive - failure,totalCause

Loss of control - in flightManeuvering - aerial application

Directional control - not possiblePilot in command

Autorotation - not possiblePilot in command

In flight collision with terrain/waterLanding

Analysis

The plt stated that he was on a trimming/swath run at about 15 ft AGL & 15 mph when he heard a strange noise which was followed by a 180 deg yaw. Subsequently, the helicopter crash landed, damaging the tail boom & tail rotor blades and spreading the landing gear. An exam revealed that the eng drive torsion coupling, pn 21046-5, had failed at the interlocking steel & rubber assembly.

Aircraft

Registration: N4029R
Reported as: Hiller UH-12E
Category: Helicopter
Serial number: 5103
Airframe hours: 1,222
Engine: Lycoming VO-540-C2A, 305 horsepower, reciprocating
Damage: Substantial damage
Flight: Aerial application · Part 137
Registered owner: Walter M. Moore
Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
Last inspection: Annual · August 1, 1983 · 40 hours before
Departed: Cameron, SC

N4029RRegistration cancelled Mar 10, 2008 · Hiller UH-12ES/N 5103 · Built 1980 Airframe modelHiller UH-12E Engine modelLycoming VO-540 seriesReciprocating

Matched to the registry by N-number and the event date; the registry’s history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

Role: Pilot
Age: 41
Certificates: Flight instructor, Commercial
Airplane ratings: Single-engine land
Medical: Class 2, Valid Medical--no waivers/lim.
Seat: Front
Flight hours: 8,800 total · 150 in the last 90 days · 10 in the last 24 hours

Weather

Conditions: Visual (VMC) · Day
Wind: 190° at 6 knots
Visibility: 15 statute miles
Lowest ceiling: None
Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 72 °F
Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
Observed at: CAE

FAA reports on this event · 1

The FAA’s own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date.

Accident 19830905049149AHiller UH12E · Cameron, SCEngine drive torsion coupling failed. Made hard landing. Had 40 hours on unit since installed. Old rubber cure dateSep 5, 1983 · N4029R · Substantial damage

Other investigations on N4029R · 3

Matched to the same aircraft by N-number and date.

NTSB MIA88LA183Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGretna, FLWhile on an aerial application flt, the plt stated he maneuvered the helicopter to release the remaining chemical. He then heard a loud 'screeching' noise followed by silence as the eng quit. The helicopter landed hard breaking the skids. It came to rest on…Jun 1, 1988 · Substantial damage NTSB MIA88LA014Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportUnion Church, MSAt an altitude of aprx 75 feet during an agricultural turn, the plt reported that the engine lost power. While executing a forced landing, the rotor blades contacted trees, after which, during the descent, the right skid collided with a stump & the helicopter…Oct 6, 1987 · Substantial damage NTSB ATL82DA073Accident · No injuriesFinal reportLydia, SCThe pilot was applying liquid fertilizer on his last swath run prior to reloading when the engine stopped. A run-on landing was attempted during which the skids sank into the soft ground causing the helicopter to roll over. The field was level and covered…Mar 17, 1982 · Substantial damage