# NTSB LAX86FVM08: Hiller UH 12E, N149HA, Gonzales, CA, September 7, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: September 7, 1986, 07:50 local (14:50 UTC)
- Place: Gonzales, CA
- Coordinates: 36.539459, -121.39093 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.5395&lon=-121.3909&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24988
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86FVM08
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24988/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86FVM08

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - aerial application
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)

## Analysis

A LOSS OF POWER WAS EXPEREINCED AS THE ACFT DESCENDED INTO A FIELD AT THE BEGINNING OF AN AERIAL APPLICATION SPRAY RUN. THE PLT INITIATED A FORCED LANDING INTO THE FIELD. DURING THE LANDING THE RIGHT SKID DUG INTO THE FIELD, TIPPING THE HELICOPTER ONTO ITS RIGHT SIDE. AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THAT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL IN THE ACFTS FUEL TANK. THE ACFT WAS REFUELED WITH 20 GALLONS OF FUEL AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SECOND SPRAY RUN. FUEL EXHAUSTION OCCURRED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SIXTH SPRAY PASS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N149HA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N149HA-2018-03-21), registration cancelled 2018-03-21, S/N HA3049, built 1976 (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: HA3049
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540-C2A 305 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Helicair Ag. Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: GONZALES, CA
- Destination: GONZALES, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 7,483 total, 7,249 as pilot in command, 389 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Not reported

## 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 19860907078009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860907078009A), Sep 7, 1986: Hiller UH12E, Gonzales, CA, Substantial damage. The engine failed from fuel exhaustion and the helicopter landed in the lettuce field being sprayed.

## Other investigations on N149HA (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 LAX94LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA043), Nov 13, 1993: Hiller UH-12E (N149HA), Salinas, CA, destroyed. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER HANDLING OF THE HELICOPTER WHICH RESULTED IN OVERLOADING OF THE ROTOR SYSTEM IN A MANEUVERING TURN DURING AERIAL APPLICATION OF CHEMICAL, AND SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE MAIN ROTOR…
- [NTSB LAX92LA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA152), Mar 27, 1992: Hiller UH-12E (N149HA), Watsonville, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: A FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO CONDUCT AN ADEQUATE PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT TO ENSURE THAT THE FUEL SUPPLY WAS FREE OF CONTAMINATES. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS FUEL CONTAMINATION.

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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