# NTSB LAX82DVA14: Hiller UH-12E, N67156, Chowchilla, CA, April 15, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: April 15, 1982, 15:20 local (22:20 UTC)
- Place: Chowchilla, CA
- Coordinates: 35.249198, -118.909339 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2492&lon=-118.9093&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report April 15, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70241
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82DVA14
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70241/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82DVA14

## 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 - utility pole (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS CONDUCTING AN AERIAL DUSTING OPERATION OVER A GRAPE VINEYARD. WHILE ON A SWATH RUN, HE GRADUALLY CONVERGED ON A POWERLINE THAT CROSSED THE FIELD AT A SLIGHT ANGLE FROM HIS FLIGHT PATH. AS HE PROCEEDED ON HIS SWATH RUN, THE HELICOPTER GOT CLOSER AND CLOSER TO THE POWERLINE POLES. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE MAIN ROTOR STRUCK A POLE AND THE HELICOPTER CRASHED AND BURNED. THE PILOT WAS HOSPITALIZED WITH SEVERE BURNS ON HIS HANDS AND CHEST.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N67156](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N67156-2021-01-30), registration cancelled 2021-01-30, S/N 1306, built 1962 (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: 1306
- Airframe hours: 4882
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540 310 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: San-Fran-Frenso Land Co
- Registered owner: San-Fran-Frenso Land Co
- Departed: CHOWCHILLA, CA
- Destination: CHOWCHILLA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 2,615 total, 175 in this make and model, 2,375 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 326° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 158 °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 19820415010399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820415010399A), Apr 15, 1982: Hiller UH12E, Chowchilla, CA, Destroyed. Main rotors struck a power pole and wires during a spray run. Crashed and burned.

## Other investigations on N67156 (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 CHI79FEK13](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI79FEK13), May 19, 1979: Hiller UH-12E (N67156), Lexington, OH, substantial damage
- [NTSB CHI76FEK24](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI76FEK24), Jul 3, 1976: Hiller UH-12E (N67156), Lore City, OH, 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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