# NTSB SEA84LA174: Hiller UH-12E, N1043L, Redmond, OR, July 16, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 16, 1984, 07:20 local (14:20 UTC)
- Place: Redmond, OR
- Coordinates: 44.259159, -121.220466 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.2592&lon=-121.2205&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Safety recommendations: Yes
- NTSB case key (mKey): 39969
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA84LA174
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39969/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA84LA174

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering - aerial application
  - rotor system,main rotor blade - fatigue (cause)
  - rotor system,main rotor blade - separation (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - autorotation - not possible, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND AFTER A IN-FLT MAIN ROTOR BLADE SEPARATION DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLT. INSPECTION OF THE FRACTURE SURFACE OF THE FAILED BLADE REVEALED CHARACTERISTICS CONSISTANT WITH THE HIGH STRESS, LOW CYCLE FATIGUE. LAB FINDINGS WILL BE COMPARED WITH SIMILIAR FAILURES WHICH HAVE OCCURRED SUBSEQUENT TO THE EXISTING AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE (AI 80-14-12) REQUIRING SPECIAL INSPECTION OF THE SAME FAILURE AREA.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1043L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1043L-2018-06-08), registration cancelled 2018-06-08, S/N 1219, built 1960 (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: 59-2739
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540-C2A 340 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Gary D. Zuber
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Airport: Unknown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 5,400 total, 5,400 in this make and model, 5,200 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 45 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RDM, 12 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 19840716032779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840716032779A), Jul 16, 1984: Hiller OH23G, Redmond, OR, Substantial damage. Main rotor blade seperated from the helicopter during a spray run. Cause high stress and low cycle fatigue.

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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