On November 5, 1984, a Hiller UH-12E (registration N123ET) was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeside, OR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft collided with power lines during takeoff from a remote logging camp, causing it to pitch right, nose down, spin, and come to rest inverted. The pilot reported hearing a loud bang but no power loss. FAA inspection revealed copper wire embedded in a rotor blade and landing skid.
Event Summary
During a takeoff from a remote logging camp, an aircraft collided with power lines. The pilot reported hearing a loud bang as the aircraft pitched to the right and nosed down. According to the pilot, the aircraft then spun to the right without power and came to rest inverted. The pilot stated that there was no power loss or malfunction prior to the accident.
Pilot's Account
The pilot's account indicated that the takeoff proceeded normally until the loud bang was heard. Following the bang, the aircraft experienced a right pitch and nose-down attitude, followed by a right spin. The aircraft subsequently landed inverted. The pilot specifically noted that no power loss or mechanical issue occurred.
Witnesses and Wreckage Examination
Witnesses at the site reported that several power lines near the accident location had been severed. An inspection of the wreckage by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) found copper wire embedded in a rotor blade and a landing skid. The tail boom also showed marks consistent with wire strikes. These findings confirm that the aircraft struck power lines during the takeoff.