On May 24, 1987, a Hiller UH-12D (H23) (registration N6408) was involved in an aviation accident near Spartanburg, SC. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a local pleasure flight, a passenger reported hearing a loud pop; the pilot stated they were going down, and the main rotor blades slowed before colliding with trees and ground. A post-impact fire consumed the wreckage. Examination found no mechanical malfunction, though the fuel and ignition system was destroyed.
Accident Overview
During a local pleasure flight above the treetops, a passenger reported hearing a loud 'pop' over the sound of the engine. The pilot informed the passenger that they were going down. The passenger then noticed the main rotor blades began to turn slower than usual before the helicopter collided with trees and then the ground. A prolonged post-impact ground fire consumed the wreckage.
Examination
A thorough examination of the flight controls, engine, and transmission assembly did not reveal any evidence of mechanical malfunction. However, the fuel and ignition system was completely destroyed by fire and could not be evaluated.
Pilot Background
Associates of the pilot stated that he usually operated at approximately 200 ft AGL.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 24 May 1987 Hiller UH-12D (H23) accident near Spartanburg, SC?
During a local pleasure flight, a passenger reported hearing a loud pop; the pilot stated they were going down, and the main rotor blades slowed before colliding with trees and ground. A post-impact fire consumed the wreckage. Examination found no mechanical malfunction, though the fuel and ignition system was…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 May 1987 involved a Hiller UH-12D (H23), registration N6408, at Spartanburg, SC.
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…