Casualties unknown

1990-08-09: Hiller UH-12-E (N117HA) — Patterson Flying Service — Los Banos, CA

Los Banos, CA, US

On August 9, 1990, a Hiller UH-12-E (registration N117HA) operated by Patterson Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Los Banos, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A LOOKOUT FOR OBSTRUCTIONS ALONG HIS SWATH RUN. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A Hiller UH-12E helicopter struck a residential telephone service line during its final pass while applying liquid chemicals. The pilot stated he missed seeing the wire during reconnaissance. The aircraft crashed and was destroyed by fire.

Accident Overview

A Hiller UH-12E helicopter, engaged in the aerial application of liquid chemicals, was involved in an accident after colliding with a telephone residential service line. The incident occurred during the pilot's last pass over the treatment area. Following the wire strike, the helicopter impacted the ground, and a subsequent fire consumed the aircraft.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that he had conducted an initial reconnaissance flight prior to beginning the application runs. During that survey, he did not notice a wire leading to a house in the vicinity. On the final pass, the helicopter contacted that wire, leading to the loss of control and ground impact.

Post-Crash Fire

After the helicopter hit the ground, a fire broke out. The fire completely destroyed the aircraft. No information is available regarding the condition of the pilot or any other occupants, and the source does not specify whether there were any injuries or fatalities.

Aircraft Details

The aircraft was a Hiller UH-12E helicopter. The specific registration number, operator, and other identifying details are not provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24026. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.