# NTSB FTW84LA226: Hiller UH-12E, N46RJ, Cedar Hill, TX, May 11, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 10, 1984, 21:15 local (May 11, 1984, 02:15 UTC)
- Place: Cedar Hill, TX
- Coordinates: 32.581001, -96.950157 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.5810&lon=-96.9502&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21328
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW84LA226
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21328/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84LA226

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - engine assembly - failure,total (contributing factor)
  - fluid,oil - exhaustion
  - maintenance,service of aircraft/equipment - improper, other maintenance personnel
  - maintenance,100-hour inspection - not followed, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - complacency, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
  - object - residence
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - emergency
  - remedial action - not possible, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

DURING THE INITIAL NIGHT FLIGHT AFTER AN OIL CHANGE & ANNUAL INSPECTION, THE HELICOPTER EXPERIENCED A TOTAL POWER PLANT FAILURE. AN AUTOROTATION WAS PERFORMED & THE HELICOPTER STRUCK A BUILDING PRIOR TO COMING TO REST. INSPECTION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED ENGINE FAILURE WAS A RESULT OF OIL STARVATION. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE OIL SYSTEM HAD BEEN ADEQUATELY SERVICED, HOWEVER, THE DRAIN VALVE HAD NOT BEEN CLOSED & UPON ENGINE START AND TAKEOFF THE OIL WAS PUMPED OVERBOARD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N46RJ (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Hiller UH-12E
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1528
- Airframe hours: 2848
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540-9A 305 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Wayne B. Standefer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 10, 1984, 0 hours before
- Departed: TA04, CEDAR HILL, TX
- Destination: MANSFIELD, TX
- Airport: TA04, Cow Patch

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 1,384 total, 23 in this make and model, 1,194 as pilot in command, 37 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 180° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

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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