On July 5, 1985, a Hiller UH-12E (registration N161HA) operated by Verticare was involved in an aviation accident near Gonzales, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An air leak at the fuel feed line inlet to the electric boost pump due to a non-aircraft-quality connector inlet bushing that was rusted, pitted, and rough. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During an agricultural flight, the engine lost power at 50 ft AGL and 50 mph, forcing a landing in a plowed field. The right skid caught a furrow, causing the aircraft to roll over. Investigation found a non-aircraft-quality bushing caused an air leak in the fuel system.
Incident Overview
While cruising during an agricultural flight, the aircraft's engine began losing power. At the time, the aircraft was approximately 50 feet above ground level and traveling at 50 miles per hour. The pilot executed a forced landing onto a nearby plowed field. Upon touchdown, the right skid dug into a furrow, causing the aircraft to roll over.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the aircraft revealed that an air leak had developed at the fuel feed line inlet to the electric boost pump. The connector inlet bushing installed at that location was not of aircraft quality. Its condition was observed to be rusted, pitted, and rough. The individual(s) responsible for originally placing the unauthorized part into service could not be determined.
Probable cause
An air leak at the fuel feed line inlet to the electric boost pump due to a non-aircraft-quality connector inlet bushing that was rusted, pitted, and rough.
What happened in the 5 Jul 1985 Hiller UH-12E accident near Gonzales, CA?
During an agricultural flight, the engine lost power at 50 ft AGL and 50 mph, forcing a landing in a plowed field. The right skid caught a furrow, causing the aircraft to roll over. Investigation found a non-aircraft-quality bushing caused an air leak in the fuel system.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Jul 1985 involved a Hiller UH-12E, registration N161HA, operated by Verticare, at Gonzales, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
An air leak at the fuel feed line inlet to the electric boost pump due to a non-aircraft-quality connector inlet bushing that was rusted, pitted, and rough.
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