Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's failure to maintain control of aircraft. Factors were the congested helipad conditions and wind gusts.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On June 24, 1998, at 1130 central daylight time, a Hiller UH-12E, N86663, impacted the terrain during an initial takeoff climb near Park Rapids, Minnesota. The commercial pilot received no injuries and the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The helicopter was being operated as a commercial flight under 14 CFR 137 when the accident occurred. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed.
The pilot said that he was departing to the south in a "semi-confined" area adjacent to two warehouses. He thought that he might have encountered a wind gust or "dust devil" which caused the helicopter to pitch down and roll to the left, prior to impact with the terrain.
No pre-impact anomalies were found in an inspection of the helicopter subsequent to the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI98LA218