# NTSB LAX90DVA08: Hiller UH-12-E, N117HA, Los Banos, CA, August 9, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: August 9, 1990, 09:43 local (16:43 UTC)
- Place: Los Banos, CA
- Coordinates: 37.070098, -120.840034 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0701&lon=-120.8400&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 21, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26562
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90DVA08
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26562/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DVA08

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A LOOKOUT FOR OBSTRUCTIONS ALONG HIS SWATH RUN.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF A UH12E HILLER HELICOPTER, THAT WAS ENGAGED IN AERIAL APPLICATION OF LIQUID CHIMICALS, COLLIDED WITH A TELEPHONE RESIDENTIAL SERVICE LINE WHILE MAKING HIS LAST PASS. HE STATED THAT HE FAILED TO SEE A WIRE LEADING TO THE HOUSE DURING HIS INITIAL RECONNAISSANCE FLIGHT. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE GROUND AFTER CONTACTING THE WIRE AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. A POSTCRASH FIRE DESTROYED THE AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N117HA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N117HA-2007-04-05), registration cancelled 2007-04-05, S/N HA3017, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HILLER UH-12-E
- Registry model: [Hiller UH-12E](https://openairdocs.org/model/hiller-uh-12e) (registry code 4360122) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: HA3017
- Airframe hours: 5200
- Engines: LYCOMING VO540 304 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Patterson Flying Service
- Registered owner: Patterson Flying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 18, 1990, 35 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 17,631 total, 4,300 in this make and model, 17,441 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 98 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 59 °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 19900809031769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900809031769A), Aug 9, 1990: Hiller UH12E, Los Banos, CA, Destroyed. Flew into abandoned telephone wire. Crashed and burned. Did not see wire between poles. Wire not marked or removed.

## Other investigations on N117HA (1)

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 LAX88DVA05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DVA05), May 9, 1988: Hiller 12E (N117HA), Firebaugh, CA, substantial damage

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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