# NTSB NYC91LA189: Hiller UH-12B, N62246, Westfield, MA, July 27, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 27, 1991, 09:45 local (13:45 UTC)
- Place: Westfield, MA
- Location: 42.1251° N, 72.7495° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Westfield, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.1251&lon=-72.7495&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36972
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91LA189
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36972/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA189

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL RESULTING IN A POWER FAILURE DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION, AND SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - object - other (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT CALCULATED HE HAD OVER 2 HOURS OF FUEL FOR THE FINAL LEG OF THE FLIGHT.  HE FOUND HE WAS OFF COURSE TO THE WEST, SO HE LANDED THE HELICOPTER TO FIND HIS POSITION, WITHOUT SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE.  HE TOOK OFF HEADING EAST AND HAD TO LAND AGAIN TO GET HIS POSITION, THIS TIME SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF.  HE WAS 5 MILES SOUTH OF HIS INTENDED LANDING AIRPORT.  THE PILOT SAID AT THIS POINT HE HAD ABOUT 4 GALLONS OF FUEL. WHILE ON APPROACH TO THE AIRPORT THE ENGINE FAILED AND HE MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A CEMETERY.  HE LANDED SHORT OF HIS INTENDED LANDING AREA AND IMPACTED WITH A HEAD STONE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N62246](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N62246-2013-02-11), registration cancelled 2013-02-11, S/N 343, built 1951 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HILLER UH-12B
- Registry model: [Hiller UH-12B](https://openairdocs.org/model/hiller-uh-12b) (registry code 4360110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6V-335 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v-335-series) (registry code 27039, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 343
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6V-335 210 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James T. Kilbridge
- Registered owner: James T. Kilbridge
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: 10N, WALKILL, NY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 196 total, 188 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 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 19910727030319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910727030319A), Jul 27, 1991: Hiller UH12B, Westfield, MA, Substantial damage. Off course,landed for position. Departed minimum fuel and ran out of fuel. Landed in cemetery on a headstone.

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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