# NTSB LAX85FA132: Hiller UH12E, N5323V, Five Points, CA, February 3, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 3, 1985, 12:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Five Points, CA
- Coordinates: 36.380649, -120.130645 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.3806&lon=-120.1306&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24468
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85FA132
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24468/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA132

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering - aerial application
  - engine assembly,other - undertorqued (cause)
  - maintenance,overhaul - improper, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent
  - emergency procedure - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment
  - proper touchdown point - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

WHILE PERFORMING AN AG FLIGHT THE HELICOPTER'S ENGIN SUDDENLY LOST POWER. AT THE TIME THE AIRCRAFT WAS NEAR ITS MAX ALLOWABLE GROSS WEIGHT AND IT WAS BETWEEN 3-5FT AGL. AS THE AIRCRAFT YAWED LEFT AND DESCENDED.THE PILOT IN COMMAND ATTEMPTED TO LAND ON A SMALL DIRT ROAD. THE PILOT INCOMMAND MISSED THE ROAD, COLLIDED WITH THE EMBANKMENT OF OF A CANAL AND THE AIRCRAFT ROLLED OVER. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE ROD BOLTS TO THE #1 CON ROD WERE BROKEN. ONE OF THE NUTS HAD BACKED OFF FROM THE ROD BOLT. EXAMINATION OF THE BOLTS IN THE OTHER 5 CYLINDERS DISCLOSED THAT NONE OF THEM HAD BEEN TIGHTENED IN ACCORDANCE WITH MANUFACTURER'S OVERHAUL SPECIFICATIONS. THE AIRCRAFT'S OWNER PERFORMED THE LAST MOH ON THE ENGINE 907 HOURS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5323V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5323V-2017-05-23), registration cancelled 2017-05-23, S/N 942, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HILLER UH12E
- 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: 942
- Airframe hours: 3767
- Engines: LYCOMING VO540-C1A 305 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Westside Ag Aviation
- Registered owner: Coalinga Commuter & Cargo Al
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special); Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 4, 1984, 53 hours before
- Departed: FIVE POINTS, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 10,000 total, 3,000 in this make and model, 15 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 45 °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 19850203071909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850203071909A), Feb 3, 1985: Hiller UH12E, Five Points, CA, Substantial damage. Copter hit embankment, rolled over after engine failure. Nuts on engine connecting rod bolts improperly tightened.

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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