# NTSB FTW92LA007: Hiller UH-12E, N4029D, Palacios, TX, October 11, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 11, 1991, 08:05 local (13:05 UTC)
- Place: Palacios, TX
- Coordinates: 29.190214, -96.270278 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.1902&lon=-96.2703&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18399
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA007
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18399/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA007

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - tie down - disregarded, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff
  - terrain condition - grass

## Analysis

THE COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER PILOT WAS DEPARTING A TRAILER ON AN AGRICULTURAL APPLICATION FLIGHT. A SKID REMAINED TIED TO THE TRAILER WHEN A TAKEOFF WAS ATTEMPTED. CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER WAS LOST AND IT COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN ADJACENT TO THE TRAILER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4029D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4029D-2018-03-02), registration cancelled 2018-03-02, S/N 5098, built 1979 (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: 5098
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-C2A 305 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Glan Herring, doing business as Bud'S Helicopter
- Registered owner: Glan Herring
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special); Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE
- Destination: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 26,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19911011046049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911011046049A), Oct 11, 1991: Hiller UH12E, Palacios, TX, Substantial damage. Failed to unfasten a strap holding a skid on trailer. Helicopter fell over on its side during attempted liftoff.

## Other investigations on N4029D (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 FTW88DRA05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88DRA05), Apr 4, 1988: Hiller UH-12E (N4029D), La Salle, TX, 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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