HILLER UH-12E
Stringtown, OK — June 11, 2009
Event Information
| Date | June 11, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN09CA359 |
| Event ID | 20090616X31918 |
| Location | Stringtown, OK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.41750, -96.05055 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | HILLER |
| Model | UH-12E |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | IMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's preoccupation with personal affairs.
Full Narrative
The company's president reported that the pilot was "taking off from an area with large bushes and scrubby trees about 500 feet ahead. He believed he was somewhat distracted because of learning of the serious illness of his mother. ...When it appeared he might have difficulty clearing the obstacles to the left, he turned right to pass under the power lines. The tail rotor snagged the lower power line, causing the helicopter to impact the ground... The wreckage remained intact except for portions of the tail rotor and main rotor which broke off after impact." An unidentified witness reported that the helicopter had struck "lines" while conducting agricultural operations, and that the helicopter was "shattered" and "totaled." The caller stated that the helicopter wreckage had been recovered and relocated to Mineral Wells, Texas.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.