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Casualties unknown

2003-05-30: Hiller UH-12E (N508SQ) — Cheyenne, WY

Cheyenne, WY, US

On May 30, 2003, a Hiller UH-12E (registration N508SQ) was involved in an aviation accident near Cheyenne, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A contributing to the accident was the sudden tailwind encountered. 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

Pilot lost control during a cyclic climb/ag turn after encountering a gust of wind, resulting in helicopter rollover and main rotor separation.

Accident Details

According to the pilot, he was spraying vegetation along a railroad. While reversing course for a second application pass, he began a 'cyclic climb/ag turn' when he encountered a gust of wind, approximately 15 to 20 miles per hour, from his '6 o'clock position.' The pilot stated he was unable to recover before hitting the ground.

Sequence of Events

After impact, the helicopter rolled onto its right side, and the main rotor blades separated. Approximately 11 minutes after the accident, winds in the area were reported as 320 degrees at 12 knots with gusts to 17 knots.

Context

The accident occurred during an agricultural spraying operation. No other information regarding the aircraft, operator, or injuries was provided in the source.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030603X00778. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.