# NTSB LAX88DVG04: Hiller UH-12E, N62391, Winters, CA, May 4, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 4, 1988, 13:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Winters, CA
- Coordinates: 38.560302, -121.989402 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5603&lon=-121.9894&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 10, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25766
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88DVG04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25766/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DVG04

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - throttle/power control - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS TAKING OFF FROM A LOADING TRUCK FOR HIS 16TH AERIAL APPLICATION. HE REDUCED THE LOAD FROM 90 TO 70 GALS BECAUSE THE WINDS HAD BECOME VARIABLE. THE HELICOPTER DESCENDED INTO GROUND EFFECT WHERE IT NORMALLY ATTAINS TRANSLATIONAL LIFT. THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN AND WAS DESTROYED IN THE POST IMPACT FIRE. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE COULD NOT STOP THE DESCENT WITH FULL POWER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N62391](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N62391-1990-08-17), registration cancelled 1990-08-17, S/N 1134 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HILLER UH-12E
- Registry model: [Hiller UH-12D](https://openairdocs.org/model/hiller-uh-12d) (registry code 4360118) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1134
- Airframe hours: 3745
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Pingrey Bros.
- Registered owner: Frank L. Lang
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, February 22, 1988, 50 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 9,342 total, 1,436 in this make and model, 9,125 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 5 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 39 °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 19880504012719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880504012719A), May 4, 1988: Hiller UH12D, Winters, CA, Destroyed. Takeoff from a platform,helicopter failed to obtain transitional lift. Descended into wheat and rolled over.

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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