On March 25, 1993, a Hiller UH12E (registration N4029Z) operated by H And M Aircraft Leasing was involved in an aviation accident near Greeleyville, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of landing altitude and approach, which led to tail rotor contact with the water surface and subsequent loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter crashed into a lake after the tail rotor contacted the water surface during a flared landing approach over the water adjacent to the pilot's residence.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a landing approach toward an empty field located next to his house. The flight path required crossing over a body of water to reach the landing zone. As the helicopter descended and flared for landing while still over the lake, the tail rotor struck the water surface. This contact resulted in a loss of directional control, causing the aircraft to crash into the lake.
The investigation
During the post-accident review, the pilot provided an explanation for the incident. He stated that he had misjudged both his landing altitude and his approach path. No other mechanical failures or external factors were cited as contributing to the loss of control.
Probable cause
The pilot's misjudgment of landing altitude and approach, which led to tail rotor contact with the water surface and subsequent loss of directional control.