# NTSB SEA94LA064: Hiller-Soloy H-23D, N62413, Seaside, OR, February 23, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 23, 1994, 13:20 local (21:20 UTC)
- Place: Seaside, OR
- Coordinates: 45.849803, -123.569892 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.8498&lon=-123.5699&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report April 12, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41878
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA94LA064
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41878/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94LA064

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF FLIGHT CONTROLS RESULTING IN SETTLING WITH POWER.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent
  - lowering of collective - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - settling with power - encountered, pilot in command
- Roll over, descent

## Analysis

THE PILOT ADDED POWER AFTER RELEASING A SLING LOAD OF CEDAR SHAKES FROM A HOVER. THE HELICOPTER BEGAN A DESCENT WITH POWER WHICH THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO STOP. DURING THE RECOVERY MANEUVER THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN AND ROLLED OVER.

## Factual narrative

On February 23, 1994, at approximately 1320 hours Pacific standard time (PST), a Hiller H-23D Soloy conversion, N62413, registered to Bennie B. Finnell, operated by Helicopter Enterprises, Inc., and being flown by Kevin I. Warner, a commercially certificated pilot, impacted terrain and rolled over while in a descent near Seaside, Oregon. The helicopter was destroyed and the pilot sustained minor injuries. The pilot reported visual meteorological conditions at the time of accident, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was engaged in sling loading cedar shakes, was to have been operated in accordance with the requirements set forth in 14CFR133, and originated from a helicopter pad near the accident site.

The pilot reported that after releasing a sling line of shakes and adding power while in a hover, the helicopter began to settle. He reported that he "lowered collective" and began a descent to attempt a recovery. Upon nearing the surface he "applied full power and contacted the surface sliding forward along the log landing" and that "the left forward skid hooked and (the) aircraft rolled to the left side, main rotor blades contacting the ground."

The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or power loss during the event.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N62413](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N62413-2003-09-23), registration cancelled 2003-09-23, S/N 1372, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Hiller-Soloy H-23D
- Registry model: [Hiller H-23D](https://openairdocs.org/model/hiller-h-23d) (registry code 4360120) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1372
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B 420 lbs thrust turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Other work use, Part 133
- Operator: Helicopter Enterprises, Inc.
- Registered owner: Finnell, Bennie, B.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special); Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,231 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 43 °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 19940223002839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940223002839A), Feb 23, 1994: Hiller H23D, Seaside, OR, Destroyed. During hover to attach long line began uncontrolled descent. Lowered collective powered to run landing. Caught skid

## Other investigations on N62413 (1)

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 LAX77FUM34](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX77FUM34), Aug 6, 1977: Hiller Acft UH-12E (N62413), Calipatria, CA, 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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