On July 24, 1996, a Hiller UH-12E (registration N9743C) was involved in an aviation accident near Mount Holly, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to refuel the helicopter. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter made a forced landing in a wooded area after losing engine power. The pilot had added 20 gallons of fuel the day before, but the helicopter had not been refueled during seven loads. No fuel was found at the site.
Forced Landing Following Engine Power Loss
The helicopter came to rest on its side in a heavily wooded area during a forced landing after a loss of engine power. The pilot had put 20 gallons of fuel into the helicopter the day prior to the accident. The helicopter was on its seventh load at the time of the crash and had not been refueled during that period.
Fuel Capacity and Consumption
The helicopter's fuel tank holds 46 gallons of fuel. According to the operator, the engine uses approximately 28 gallons per hour during some agricultural operation maneuvers. Examination of the accident site and the helicopter revealed no evidence of fuel.
Accident Site and Examination
The helicopter came to rest on its side in a heavily wooded area. Investigators examined the site and the aircraft but found no traces of fuel.
What happened in the 24 Jul 1996 Hiller UH-12E accident near Mount Holly, AR?
A helicopter made a forced landing in a wooded area after losing engine power. The pilot had added 20 gallons of fuel the day before, but the helicopter had not been refueled during seven loads. No fuel was found at the site.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Jul 1996 involved a Hiller UH-12E, registration N9743C, at Mount Holly, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to refuel the helicopter. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…