# NTSB SEA92LA189: Hiller UH-12C, N37667, Concrete, WA, August 24, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 24, 1992, 16:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Concrete, WA
- Coordinates: 48.559108, -121.77066 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.5591&lon=-121.7707&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42886
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA92LA189
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42886/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA189

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION, RESULTING FROM THE IMPR0PER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND AND HIS FAILURE TO SELECT A PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT FOR AN EMERGENCY FORCED LANDING.  A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE UNEVEN TERRAIN AT THE TOUCHDOWN POINT.

## 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 - downwind
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - proper touchdown point - not selected, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT ENGINE LOST POWER ON DOWNWIND IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN FOR LANDING AND THE PILOT INITIATED A FORCED LANDING IN AN OPEN PASTURE.  THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN ON UNEVEN TERRAIN AND ROLLED OVER.  A POST ACCIDENT EXAM OF THE ACFT FUEL TANKS REVEALED LESS THAN ONE QUART OF FUEL REMAINING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N37667](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N37667-2011-07-20), registration cancelled 2011-07-20, S/N 765, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HILLER UH-12C
- Registry model: [Hiller-Palmer UH-12C](https://openairdocs.org/model/hiller-palmer-uh-12c) (registry code 4360810) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6V 350 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v-350-series) (registry code 27043, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 765
- Airframe hours: 2085
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6V-335-B 210 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Westlund, Jack M., doing business as Westco Helicopters, Inc.
- Registered owner: Westco Helicopters, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 25, 1992, 38 hours before
- Destination: WA13

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; commercial; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 401 total, 224 in this make and model, 360 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: NUW, 36 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 19920824032899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920824032899A), Aug 24, 1992: Hiller UH12C, Concrete, WA, Substantial damage. Engine lost power downwind in traffic pattern. Autorotated in pasture. Rolled over. Less than a quart fuel onboard.

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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