# NTSB MKC83FA114: Hiller UH-12E, N3GK, Troy, KS, May 24, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 24, 1983, 18:15 local (23:15 UTC)
- Place: Troy, KS
- Coordinates: 39.780345, -95.08052 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7803&lon=-95.0805&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33331
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC83FA114
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33331/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC83FA114

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A POWERLINE WHILE THE PILOT WAS LOCATING A FIELD TO SPRAY AT A LATER DATE. THE PILOT SAW TELEPHONE LINES AND FLEW OVER THEM BUT HIT THE POWERLINES WHICH WERE 20 FEET HIGHER. THE SKIDS CAUGHT THE WIRES AND THE HELICOPTER NOSED DOWN, DRAGGING THE LINES 110 FEET BEYOND THE WIRE IMPACT. THE PILOT MANAGED TO FREE HIMSELF BEFORE THE FIRE CONSUMED THE HELICOPTER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3GK](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3GK-2012-09-25), registration cancelled 2012-09-25, S/N 1154, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HILLER UH-12E
- Registry model: [Hiller UH-12D](https://openairdocs.org/model/hiller-uh-12d) (registry code 4360118) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1154
- Airframe hours: 8878
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540 305 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Valley Air
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Limited (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 27, 1983, 23 hours before
- Departed: HIGHLAND, KS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 5,067 total, 1,500 in this make and model, 25 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 6 knots, gusting 8
- Visibility: 10 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 19830524020749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830524020749A), May 24, 1983: Hiller UH12D, Troy, KS, Destroyed. Struck wires making a scouting low pass over a field to be sprayed. Dived into ground and burned.

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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