# NTSB CHI87LA045: Hiller UH-12B, N48209, Capac, MI, November 29, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 29, 1986, 17:08 local (22:08 UTC)
- Place: Capac, MI
- Coordinates: 43.010288, -82.920516 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0103&lon=-82.9205&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13709
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87LA045
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13709/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87LA045

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - rotor system - fatigue (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - rotor system - failure,partial (contributing factor)
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - proper glidepath - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - reduced, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

TEN MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF AND JUST PRIOR TO LETDOWN FROM 350 FEET AGL A MAIN ROTOR BLADE DRAG STRUT FAILED DUE TO PROGRESSIVE FATIGUE THROUGH A THREADED PORTION OF THE STRUT. ONLY PARTIAL CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER WAS POSSIBLE AFTER THE FAILURE. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AT ONE POINT, BUT REGAINED CONTROL IN TIME TO PERFORM A HARD, SLIDING LANDING IN A FIELD. SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE OCCURRED. THE ENTIRE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS TOOK PLACE IN 10-15 SECONDS. THE PLT HAD A PRIVATE CERT FOR FIXED WING AND A STUDENT CERT FOR ROTORCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N48209](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N48209-2012-12-13), registration cancelled 2012-12-13, S/N 508 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HILLER UH-12B
- Registry model: [Hiller UH-12B](https://openairdocs.org/model/hiller-uh-12b) (registry code 4360110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 508
- Airframe hours: 5229
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6V3355D 210 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Mark W. Smith
- Registered owner: Mark W. Smith
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 22, 1986, 32 hours before
- Departed: D95, LAPEER, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 208 total, 23 in this make and model, 146 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 43 °F

## 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 19861129069389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861129069389A), Nov 29, 1986: Hiller UH12B, Capac, MI, Substantial damage. Severe vibration and loss of rotor RPM. Made emergency power on run landing. Rotor blade drag strut had failed.

## Other investigations on N48209 (1)

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.

- [NTSB CHI82DA332](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI82DA332), Sep 2, 1982: Hiller 12B (N48209), Detroit, MI, substantial damage

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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