On September 7, 1986, a Hiller UH 12E (registration N149HA) was involved in an aviation accident near Gonzales, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter experienced a loss of power during an aerial application spray run, leading to a forced landing. The aircraft tipped onto its right side after the skid dug into the field. Investigation found no fuel in the tank; fuel exhaustion occurred on the sixth spray pass.
Incident Overview
A helicopter engaged in aerial application operations experienced a loss of power as it descended into a field at the beginning of a spray run. The pilot initiated a forced landing into the field. During the landing, the right skid dug into the ground, causing the helicopter to tip onto its right side.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of fuel in the aircraft's fuel tank. The helicopter had been refueled with 20 gallons of fuel at the beginning of the second spray run. Fuel exhaustion occurred at the beginning of the sixth spray pass.
Conclusion
The loss of power was attributed to fuel exhaustion, which led to the forced landing and subsequent rollover.
What happened in the 7 Sept 1986 Hiller UH 12E accident near Gonzales, CA?
A helicopter experienced a loss of power during an aerial application spray run, leading to a forced landing. The aircraft tipped onto its right side after the skid dug into the field. Investigation found no fuel in the tank; fuel exhaustion occurred on the sixth spray pass.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Sept 1986 involved a Hiller UH 12E, registration N149HA, at Gonzales, CA.
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