On September 15, 1983, a Hiller-soloy UH12E (registration N3324F) was involved in an aviation accident near Cape Yakataga, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter rolled over during a forced landing on a beach after its engine quit. Investigation confirmed fuel exhaustion, with dry fuel lines and less than one gallon of fuel in the main tank. The owner had advised pilots to visually check fuel levels due to unreliable gauges.
Accident Details
A helicopter experienced an engine failure while in flight, necessitating a forced landing on a beach. During the landing, the helicopter rolled over. Subsequent discussions with the pilot, who is also the owner of the company, confirmed that the aircraft had run out of fuel.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel lines were dry and less than one gallon of fuel remained in the main tank. The owner stated that he had warned his pilots to visually check fuel levels on the helicopters because the fuel quantity indicators were unreliable. Replacement fuel gauges had been backordered for an extended period, leading to continued reliance on visual inspections.
What happened in the 15 Sept 1983 Hiller-soloy UH12E accident near Cape Yakataga, AK?
A helicopter rolled over during a forced landing on a beach after its engine quit. Investigation confirmed fuel exhaustion, with dry fuel lines and less than one gallon of fuel in the main tank. The owner had advised pilots to visually check fuel levels due to unreliable gauges.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Sept 1983 involved a Hiller-soloy UH12E, registration N3324F, at Cape Yakataga, AK.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…