On April 20, 2000, a Hiller UH-12ET (registration N9762C) operated by Henry Haddock was involved in an aviation accident near Stonesboro, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot neglected to refuel the helicopter due to distraction from the truck driver's problem, leading to fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a spraying operation, the pilot became distracted by a truck driver's issue and neglected to refuel the helicopter, resulting in fuel exhaustion and a forced landing where the tail rotor hit a tree.
Incident Overview
A helicopter conducting agricultural spraying operations experienced a total loss of engine power during its third spray run. The pilot reported that the truck used to support the spraying operation had been driven into a ditch. The pilot became distracted by the truck driver's predicament and subsequently neglected to refuel the helicopter. Moments after running out of fuel, the engine lost power.
Forced Landing
The pilot selected an area for a forced landing. During the final approach to touchdown, the tail rotor assembly collided with a tree. No other obstacles were reported in the landing area.
Post-Incident Examination
An examination of the helicopter after the incident revealed only a trace of fuel in the fuel tanks. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the helicopter prior to the total loss of engine power.
Probable cause
The pilot neglected to refuel the helicopter due to distraction from the truck driver's problem, leading to fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power.
What happened in the 20 Apr 2000 Hiller UH-12ET accident near Stonesboro, SC?
During a spraying operation, the pilot became distracted by a truck driver's issue and neglected to refuel the helicopter, resulting in fuel exhaustion and a forced landing where the tail rotor hit a tree.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Apr 2000 involved a Hiller UH-12ET, registration N9762C, operated by Henry Haddock, at Stonesboro, SC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot neglected to refuel the helicopter due to distraction from the truck driver's problem, leading to fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power.
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