On August 21, 1992, a Hiller HILLER UH-12E (registration N527HA) operated by Bonanza Valley Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Dows, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure the fuel was free of contamination, which resulted in engine failure and a subsequent collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter sustained engine failure while conducting aerial application of agricultural chemicals, resulting in a forced landing collision with a ditch caused by fuel contamination.
The pilot of the accident helicopter reported that an engine failure occurred while he was performing aerial application of agricultural chemicals. The helicopter collided with a ditch during the forced landing.
Post accident inspection revealed contaminated fuel in the helicopter fuel system and in the fuel tank used to service the aircraft.
The pilot's failure to ensure the fuel was free of contamination, which resulted in engine failure and a subsequent collision with terrain.