Casualties unknown

1995-06-04: Hiller UH-12E (N4254X) — Checotah, OK

Checotah, OK, US

On June 4, 1995, a Hiller UH-12E (registration N4254X) was involved in an aviation accident near Checotah, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT ALLOWING THE HELICOPTER TO TOUCHDOWN IMPROPERLY. A FACTOR WAS THE ERRATIC RUNNING ENGINE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A helicopter experienced repeated power loss and yaw during herbicide dispensing, leading to a hard landing where skids separated and the aircraft came to rest on its side.

Incident Overview

While dispensing herbicide, a helicopter experienced an engine power loss, a drop in RPM, and a noticeable vibration. The engine subsequently recovered to full power, causing the helicopter to yaw. This sequence of events occurred three additional times for reasons that were not determined during the flight.

Landing Attempt

During an attempted run-on landing to a field, the helicopter continued to exhibit the same power fluctuations. As the skids made contact with the ground, the pilot heard a loud 'boom'. The helicopter then yawed, the skids separated from the fuselage, and the aircraft came to rest on its side.

Investigation Findings

The investigation was unable to determine the cause of the repeated power losses, recoveries, and associated yawing. No further information regarding the aircraft type, registration, or operator was provided in the available source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03694. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.