# NTSB LAX89DUJ09: Hiller UH-12E, N7086, Tolleson, AZ, August 16, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: August 16, 1989, 04:30 local (11:30 UTC)
- Place: Tolleson, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.420909, -112.27008 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4209&lon=-112.2701&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 22, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26135
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89DUJ09
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26135/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DUJ09

## Probable cause

AN ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE FUEL SUPPLY WHICH PRECEDED AN AUTOROTATION AND COLLISION WITH THE GROUND DURING NIGHT TIME CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, climb
  - fuel system,tank - contamination (cause)
  - fuel supply - improper, company/operator management (cause)
  - refueling - not identified, pilot in command (cause)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - open field
  - terrain condition - soft
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE SPRAY HELICOPTER EXPERIENCED AN ENGINE FAILURE AFTER A TAKEOFF FROM A REFUELING STOP. THE AIRCRAFT AUTOROTATED INTO AN OPEN FIELD, BOUNCED AND ROLLED OVER INTO ITS SIDE. A FUEL SAMPLE TAKEN ON THE SAME DAY REVEALED THAT APPROXIMATELY 15% OF THE FUEL WAS WATER. A LATER TEST OF THE FUEL BY THE COMPANY REVEALED THAT CONTAMINATION WAS TWO QUARTS TO FIVE GALLONS OF FUEL. THE PILOT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRCRAFT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7086](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7086-2012-09-24), registration cancelled 2012-09-24, S/N 1699, built 1965 (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: 1699
- Airframe hours: 3292
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540-C2A 305 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Moseley Aviation, Inc.
- Registered owner: Freeway Av Ag, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 20, 1989, 120 hours before
- Airport: Cnty Boy Crop Dusting Arp

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 20,000 total, 4,000 in this make and model, 18,000 as pilot in command, 300 in the last 90 days, 100 in the last 30 days, 9 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 210° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Observed at: PHX, 14 nm away

## 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 19890816030169A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890816030169A), Aug 16, 1989: Hiller UH12E, Tolleson, AZ, Substantial damage. Engine quit after takeoff from ag strip autorotated but impacted hard causing bounce and rollover. Water in fuel.

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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