On July 24, 1994, a Hiller UH-12E (registration N4030S) operated by Custom Air Brewton, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Hephzibah, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT OF THE AIRCRAFT, RESULTING IN FUEL EXHAUSTION, AND HIS IMPROPER FLARE OF THE HELICOPTER DURING THE AUTOROTATION, RESULTING IN A HARD LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial agricultural pilot experienced engine power loss five minutes into a flight. During autorotation, the helicopter landed hard and the tail boom struck the ground. No fuel was found in the tank or lines, and the gauge read empty.
Accident Details
A commercial agricultural pilot was approximately five minutes into a flight when the engine lost power and ceased operation. The pilot initiated an autorotation, during which the helicopter landed hard and the tail boom contacted the ground.
Fuel System Examination
The pilot reported beginning the flight with about 10 gallons of fuel, measured using a dip stick carried in the cockpit. He stated that the expected fuel consumption was approximately 15 gallons per hour. Following the accident, the fuel system remained intact. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors found no evidence of fuel in the tank or in the fuel lines. The fuel gauge indicated empty.
No other information was provided regarding the aircraft, injuries, or the specific circumstances leading to the power loss.
What happened in the 24 Jul 1994 Hiller UH-12E accident near Hephzibah, GA?
A commercial agricultural pilot experienced engine power loss five minutes into a flight. During autorotation, the helicopter landed hard and the tail boom struck the ground. No fuel was found in the tank or lines, and the gauge read empty.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Jul 1994 involved a Hiller UH-12E, registration N4030S, operated by Custom Air Brewton, Inc., at Hephzibah, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT OF THE AIRCRAFT, RESULTING IN FUEL EXHAUSTION, AND HIS IMPROPER FLARE OF THE HELICOPTER DURING THE AUTOROTATION, RESULTING IN A HARD LANDING.
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