# NTSB LAX86DVA17: Hiller UH-12E, N5385V, Visalia, CA, September 29, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: September 29, 1986, 07:40 local (14:40 UTC)
- Place: Visalia, CA
- Coordinates: 36.289913, -119.380538 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2899&lon=-119.3805&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24868
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86DVA17
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24868/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86DVA17

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
  - aircraft performance,turn capability - exceeded (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE EXECUTING A 90 DEG/270 DEG COURSE REVERSAL TURN, THE PLT LOST CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER WHICH COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. GROUND WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE PLT HAD COMPLETED SPRAYING A COTTON FIELD AND ADVISED THE GROUND FLAGGER THAT THE WINDS HAD CHANGED TO A DOWNWIND CONDITION. THE PLT THEN EXECUTED THE COURSE REVERSLA MANEUVER WHICH WAS DESCRIBED AS A 'SLOW AIRSPEED, TIGHT RIGHT TURN, FOLLOWED BY A TIGHT LEFT TURN.' THE HELICOPTER CRASHED DURING THE LEFT TURN AND WAS DESTROYED BY IMPACT FORCES AND POST-IMPACT FIRE. EXAMINATION OF THE HELICOPTER DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PRE-EXISTING MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5385V (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: HILLER UH-12E
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2093
- Airframe hours: 8705
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540-9A 305 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Moore Aviation, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 29, 1986, 50 hours before
- Airport: VIS, Visalia Muni.

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 19,000 total, 6,856 in this make and model, 190 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19860929049499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860929049499A), Sep 29, 1986: Hiller UH12E, Visalia, CA, Destroyed. The helicopter impacted the ground and a parked truck during spray operation. Suspect settling with power factor.

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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