# NTSB ATL96LA023: Hiller 12C, N234SM, N. Myrtle Beach, SC, December 18, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 18, 1995, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: N. Myrtle Beach, SC
- Coordinates: 33.689449, -78.889564 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6894&lon=-78.8896&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 18, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3678
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL96LA023
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3678/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL96LA023

## Probable cause

The pilot's improper operation of the flight controls during a practice autorotation, and the certified flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the operation

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - ground
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - autorotation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - supervision - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)

## Analysis

The private helicopter pilot and certified flight instructor were conducting pre-checkride flight training. While executing an autorotation to a power recovery, the tail rotor assembly collided with the ground and subsequently separated from the gearbox assembly. No mechanical problems with the helicopter were reported by the pilots.

## Factual narrative

On December 18, 1995, at 1500 eastern standard time, a Hiller 12C, N234SM, touched down hard during a practice autorotation at the Grand Strand Airport in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The instructional flight operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The helicopter sustained substantial damage; the certified flight instructor and the private pilot were not injured. The flight departed North Myrtle Beach, at 1430.

The pilots were conducting pre-checkride flight training. According to the private pilot, they were executing a practice autorotation to a powered recovery. As the pilots maneuvered the helicopter during the flare, the tail rotor assembly struck the ground. No mechanical problems with the airplane were reported by the pilot.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N234SM](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N234SM), registered now, S/N 55-4101, built 1955 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HILLER 12C
- Registry model: [Hiller OH-23C](https://openairdocs.org/model/hiller-oh-23c) (registry code 4360119) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6V4 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v4-series) (registry code 27033, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 55-4101
- Airframe hours: 3289
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6V4-200-C33 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Steven R. Gann
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 25, 1995, 61 hours before
- Departed: CRE
- Airport: CRE, Grand Strand Airport, runway 5, 6,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,126 total, 200 in this make and model, 1,932 as pilot in command, 51 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CRE

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19951218041489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951218041489A), Dec 18, 1995: Hiller OH23G, North Myrtle Be, SC, Substantial damage. Practice autorotations. Flared nose high. Tail rotor struck the ground. Two pilots on board.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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