N440NR

Substantial
Minor

HILLER UH-12ES/N: 2275

Accident Details

Date
Friday, January 1, 2010
NTSB Number
WPR10CA094
Location
Tipton, CA
Event ID
20100104X01343
Coordinates
36.068889, -119.261108
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
HILLER
Serial Number
2275
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1964
Model / ICAO
UH-12EUH12
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
UH-12E

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MAGNUM AVIATION LLC
Address
PO BOX 26
City
GOFF
State / Zip Code
KS 66428-0026
Country
United States

Analysis

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.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR10CA094