# NTSB LAX82DA306: Hiller UH-12E, N4026S, Chandler, AZ, August 20, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: August 20, 1982, 03:07 local (10:07 UTC)
- Place: Chandler, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.319885, -111.869506 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3199&lon=-111.8695&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 20, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70189
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82DA306
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70189/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82DA306

## Sequence of events

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

- Vortex turbulence encountered, maneuvering - aerial application
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - unsafe/hazardous condition - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application
- Main gear collapsed, maneuvering - aerial application

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS SPRAYING LIQUID CHEMICALS AT NIGHT. THE PILOT FLEW INTO HIS OWN WAKE TURBULENCE AND LOST CONTROL AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. CONTROL WAS REGAINED TO MAKE AN UPRIGHT LANDING IN THE FIELD. SKIDS WERE TORN OFF THE AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4026S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4026S-2002-11-04), registration cancelled 2002-11-04, S/N 5055, 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: 5055
- Airframe hours: 1400
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540 305 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: San Tan Dusters
- Registered owner: Duval Co. Ranch Co. Incorporat
- Departed: CHANDLER, AZ
- Destination: CHANDLER, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 13,150 total, 2,500 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 45° at 2 knots
- Temperature: 194 °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 19820820041759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820820041759A), Aug 20, 1982: Hiller UH12E, Chandler, AZ, Substantial damage. Helicopter flew into its own wake on a spray run when a slight windshift occurred. Impact with ground severed skids

## Other investigations on N4026S (2)

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 CHI94LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA022), Oct 22, 1993: Hiller UH12E (N4026S), Sioux Rapids, IA, destroyed. Probable cause: the Pilot in Command failed to maintain clearance with the terrain while proceeding up an upslope.
- [NTSB FTW79FQG05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW79FQG05), Oct 19, 1978: Hiller UH-12E (N4026S), Stratford, 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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