# NTSB LAX87DVA04: Hiller OH-23G, N99232, Delano, CA, March 8, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: March 8, 1987, 12:11 local (20:11 UTC)
- Place: Delano, CA
- Coordinates: 35.780086, -119.230468 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.7801&lon=-119.2305&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25324
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87DVA04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25324/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DVA04

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - aircraft service - improper (contributing factor)
  - rotor rpm - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - inattentive, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - proper touchdown point - not obtained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT, THE PILOT RETURNED TO THE LOADING TRUCK FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 ADDITIONAL GALLONS OF CHEMICAL TO FINISH THE APPLICATION. THE LOADER; HOWEVER, LOADED 70 GALLONS AND WHEN THE PILOT TOOK OFF THE ROTOR RPM BEGAN TO BLEED OFF. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED UNSUCCESSFULLY TO RELAND ON THE TRUCK BY BACKING THE HELICOPTER. HE OVERSHOT THE LANDING AREA AND COLLIDED WITH NEARBY TREES. INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N99232](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N99232-2014-12-01), registration cancelled 2014-12-01, S/N 1616, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HILLER OH-23G
- Registry model: [Hiller OH-23G](https://openairdocs.org/model/hiller-oh-23g) (registry code 4360121) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1616
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540-C1A 305 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: San Joaquin Helicopters
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 4,700 total, 1,600 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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 19870308005529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870308005529A), Mar 8, 1987: Hiller OH23G, Delano, CA, Substantial damage. Overloaded with chemicals. Unable to climb. Attempted to return to platform. Overshot. Collided with a tree.

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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