HILLER UH-12E
Tipton, CA, January 1, 2010
Event Information
| Date | January 1, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Tipton, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.06889, -119.26111 |
| Airport | Visalia Municipal Airport |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
| NTSB Number | WPR10CA094 |
| Event ID | 20100104X01343 |
Aircraft
| Make | HILLER |
| Model | UH-12E |
| Registration # | N440NR |
| Operator | Costa Spraying Inc |
| Owner | Costa Spraying Inc |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain.
Full Narrative
While maneuvering at low level over a field during an aerial application flight, the pilot took his hand off the collective to adjust the sun visor because the sun was in his eyes. The pilot reported that he had used his leg to block the collective from moving as he adjusted the visor. The helicopter hit mild turbulence and bumped his leg away from the collective. The collective slipped down, and the helicopter impacted the ground and rolled over on its side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and cockpit. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter's flight control system or engine prior to the accident.
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.