# NTSB LAX85LA309: Hiller UH-12B, N1048P, Durham, CA, July 7, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 7, 1985, 16:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Durham, CA
- Coordinates: 39.609481, -121.770027 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.6095&lon=-121.7700&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24767
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA309
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24767/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA309

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - uncontrolled
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PURPOSE OF THE LCL FLIGHT WAS FOR THE CFI TO DEMO THE NEWLY ACQUIRED HELICOPTER TO ITS OWNER. THE CFI REPORTED THAT DURING THE FLT A 'SOMEWHAT COMMON' VIBRATION WAS DETECTED, & HE ASSOCIATED THE VIBRATION WITH THE ACFT'S WOODEN MAIN ROTOR BLADES. HE FURTHER REPORTED THAT HE MAY HAVE BEEN DISTRACTED BY THE VIBRATION, & HE FAILED TO OBSERVE THE POWER LINES WHICH WERE IN THE LANDING APPROACH PATH. AT ABOUT 60 FT AGL THE ACFT'S MAST COLLIDED WITH THE WIRES. CONTROL WAS LOST, & DURING THE HARD LANDING THE BLADES FLEXED DOWN CUTTING OFF THE TAIL BOOM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1048P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1048P), registered now, S/N 635 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HILLER UH-12B
- Registry model: [Hiller-Tri-Plex Ind.Inc. UH-12B](https://openairdocs.org/model/hiller-tri-plex-ind-inc-uh-12b) (registry code 4360801) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6V-335 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v-335-series) (registry code 27039, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 635
- Airframe hours: 3089
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540 305 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Barry Kishner
- Registered owner: Ras Keys
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 5, 1985
- Departed: DURHAM, CA
- Destination: DURHAM, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 728 total, 44 in this make and model, 6 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °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 19850707029519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850707029519A), Jul 7, 1985: Hiller UH12B, Durham, CA, Substantial damage. Struck powerlines, then ground during approach. Pilot, distracted by a vibration, did not see the powerlines.

## Other investigations on N1048P (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 FTW93LA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93LA047), Dec 2, 1992: Hiller UH12B (N1048P), Justin, TX, substantial damage. Probable cause: FAILURE OF THE MAIN ROTOR SYSTEM FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN AT THE PILOT'S DISPOSAL.

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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