# NTSB LAX00LA107: Hiller H-12E, N61PC, Byron, CA, February 21, 2000

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 21, 2000, 08:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Byron, CA
- Coordinates: 38.339225, -119.830551 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.3392&lon=-119.8306&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 2, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 48703
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX00LA107
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/48703/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA107

## Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate visual lookout while maneuvering in proximity to wires.  A contributing factor was the sun glare, which reduced the wire's conspicuity.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - object - wire,static
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The pilot collided with wires and impacted terrain while maneuvering during a morning aerial application flight.  The pilot indicated that the accident could have been prevented had he performed a better reconnaissance of the area, avoided distractions, and approached the wires with the sun at his back.

## Factual narrative

On February 21, 2000, about 0830 hours Pacific standard time, a Hiller H-12E, N61PC, operated by Aerial Control, Brentwood, California, collided with wires while maneuvering during an aerial application flight near Byron, California.  Thereafter, the helicopter impacted underlying terrain and was substantially damaged.  The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The flight was performed under 14 CFR Part 137, and it originated from an open field about 0800.

In the pilot's completed aircraft accident report, he indicated that the accident could have been prevented had he performed a better reconnaissance, avoided distractions, and approached the wires with the sun at his back.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N61PC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N61PC-2013-08-20), registration cancelled 2013-08-20, S/N 1309, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Hiller H-12E
- Registry model: [Hiller H-23D](https://openairdocs.org/model/hiller-h-23d) (registry code 4360120) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-540-series) (registry code 41534, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1309
- Airframe hours: 10258
- Engines: Lycoming VO-540-C2A 345 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Doff Cooksey
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 17, 2000, 5 hours before
- Destination: VICTORY ISLAND, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 22,000 total, 2,500 in this make and model, 21,500 as pilot in command, 57 in the last 90 days, 33 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 129 °F, dew point 115 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SCK, 15 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 20000221012719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000221012719A), Feb 21, 2000: Hiller H23D, Victoria Island, No damage. (-23) Pilot reports, as substantiated by written statement, that he was performing an aerial reconnaisance of a crop of asparagus. Weather was clear & sunny.…

## Other investigations on N61PC (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 LAX87DVD04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DVD04), Aug 5, 1987: Hiller UH-23-D (N61PC), Brentwood, CA, 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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