# NTSB FTW86LA167: Hiller UH-12E, N40268, Norias, TX, September 13, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 13, 1986, 13:15 local (18:15 UTC)
- Place: Norias, TX
- Coordinates: 26.930667, -98.130249 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.9307&lon=-98.1302&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22091
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86LA167
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22091/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LA167

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, hover
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE COMMERCIAL PLT WAS ENGAGED IN A LIVESTOCK ROUND-UP AND ATTEMPTED TO HOVER OVER A WIRE FENCE. THE ACFT SKID CAUGHT ON THE FENCE CAUSING A LOSS OF ACFT CONTROL AND SUBSEQUENT IMPACT WITH THE TERRAIN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N40268](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N40268-2003-03-17), registration cancelled 2003-03-17, S/N 5062, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HILLER UH-12E
- Registry model: [Hiller UH-12E](https://openairdocs.org/model/hiller-uh-12e) (registry code 4360122) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-540-series) (registry code 41534, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 5062
- Airframe hours: 985
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540 305 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Peter L. Mcbride
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 17, 1986, 80 hours before
- Departed: NORIAS, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 5,200 total, 4,000 in this make and model, 76 in the last 90 days, 16 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HRL, 86 nm away

## 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 19860913045009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860913045009A), Sep 13, 1986: Hiller UH12E, Norias, TX, Substantial damage. While herding cattle, pilot inadvertently caught a skid on a wire fence. Aircraft flipped over.

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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