# NTSB MIA84FA058: Hiller UH-12C, N5317V, San Juan, PR, January 12, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: January 12, 1984, 12:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: San Juan, PR
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30964
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA84FA058
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30964/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA84FA058

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, hover
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - planning/decision - improper, passenger (cause)

## Analysis

A PERFORMER FELL FROM A TRAPEZE RIGGED BELOW THE HELICOPTER WHILE IT WAS HOVERING AT ABOUT 150 FT AGL. THE FAA HAD NOT AUTHORIZED THE MODIFICATION TO THE ACFT. THE PLT WAS NOT CERTIFIED FOR EXTERNAL LOAD OPERATIONS. THE PERFORMER REPORTEDLY HAD NOT DONE THIS ACT BEFORE AND WAS NOT IN EXCELLENT PHYSICAL CONDITION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5317V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5317V), registered now, S/N 768, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HILLER UH-12C
- Registry model: [Hiller UH-12C](https://openairdocs.org/model/hiller-uh-12c) (registry code 4360116) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6V4 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v4-series) (registry code 27033, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 768
- Airframe hours: 1572
- Engines: FRANKLIN VO-335 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: No damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Hector Gratacos
- Registered owner: Aero-Med Express
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 14, 1983, 20 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 1,450 total, 609 in this make and model, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SJU, 8 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 19840112028009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840112028009A), Jan 12, 1984: Hiller UH12C, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 1 fatal. Trapeze performer lost his grip on a rope sling below the helicopter and fell to the ground. No form 337 for sling.

## Other investigations on N5317V (3)

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 ATL99LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL99LA108), Jul 16, 1999: Hiller UH12-C (N5317V), Venice, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: Loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the passenger inadvertently shutting off the fuel supply.
- [NTSB MIA69F0470](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA69F0470), Apr 19, 1969: Hiller UH-12C (N5317V), Hato Rey, PR, substantial damage
- [NTSB MIA65A0099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA65A0099), Apr 7, 1965: Hiller UH12C (N5317V), N Miami Beach, FL, 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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