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Helicopter Collides with Terrain During Takeoff and Rolls Over in Cornfield (N67067)

Hastings, NE, US

On July 25, 2001, a Hiller UH-12E (registration N67067) was involved in an aviation accident near Hastings, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Aircraft control not being maintained by the pilot which resulted in the encountered settling with power flight condition during the initial climb. Factors to the accident were the reported variable winds during the takeoff and the corn crop. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, a helicopter collided with terrain after the pilot was unable to maintain altitude. The helicopter rolled over when the right skid contacted a corn row. The pilot had been using a service truck bed for operations.

Accident Details

A helicopter experienced an in-flight collision with terrain during takeoff after the pilot was unable to maintain altitude. Following the initial impact, the helicopter rolled over when its right skid contacted a row of corn.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported using the bed of a service truck for takeoff and landing operations. According to the pilot's statement, on the last takeoff, the wind dropped off, causing the helicopter to settle. Control was maintained as the helicopter proceeded to translational lift. The helicopter crossed barren ground, rising from an altitude of 2–3 feet to about 8 feet, then crossed over into a cornfield. The helicopter began to settle again, but control was maintained to the ground. The helicopter slid for approximately 10 feet before the right front skid caught on a corn row, causing the helicopter to flip onto its right side and come to a stop.

Subsequent Events

No further details are available regarding the helicopter's condition or the pilot's status. The investigation focused solely on the events described by the pilot.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jul 2001 Hiller UH-12E accident near Hastings, NE?

During takeoff, a helicopter collided with terrain after the pilot was unable to maintain altitude. The helicopter rolled over when the right skid contacted a corn row. The pilot had been using a service truck bed for operations.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jul 2001 involved a Hiller UH-12E, registration N67067, at Hastings, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Aircraft control not being maintained by the pilot which resulted in the encountered settling with power flight condition during the initial climb. Factors to the accident were the reported variable winds during the takeoff and the corn crop.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010803X01595. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.