On March 27, 1992, a Hiller UH-12E (registration N149HA) operated by Helicair AG Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Watsonville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO CONDUCT AN ADEQUATE PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT TO ENSURE THAT THE FUEL SUPPLY WAS FREE OF CONTAMINATES. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS FUEL CONTAMINATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot lost engine power during takeoff for the third load of insecticide. The helicopter descended, the tail rotor struck the ground, and the landing gear collapsed. Investigation found water and contamination in the fuel system.
Accident Details
A certificated commercial pilot was conducting aerial spray operations in a helicopter. Approximately 30 minutes after departing a nearby airport, the pilot was taking off from a field to begin applying the third load of an insecticide. About 100 yards from the takeoff point, the helicopter's engine suddenly lost power and sounded as if it was misfiring. The helicopter began to descend, and the pilot flared the helicopter to slow its forward motion. The tail rotor struck the ground, and the helicopter then settled into the field, collapsing the landing gear skids.
Investigation Findings
Wreckage examination at the accident site revealed water in the main fuel sump. A post-accident examination of the engine revealed contamination in the fuel sump and left carburetor screen.
What happened in the 27 Mar 1992 Hiller UH-12E accident near Watsonville, CA?
A commercial pilot lost engine power during takeoff for the third load of insecticide. The helicopter descended, the tail rotor struck the ground, and the landing gear collapsed. Investigation found water and contamination in the fuel system.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Mar 1992 involved a Hiller UH-12E, registration N149HA, operated by Helicair AG Inc., at Watsonville, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO CONDUCT AN ADEQUATE PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT TO ENSURE THAT THE FUEL SUPPLY WAS FREE OF CONTAMINATES. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS FUEL CONTAMINATION.
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