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.
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.