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Helicopter Dynamic Rollover During Departure from Trailer (N3030H)

Estacada, OR, US

On May 23, 2005, a Hiller UH-12E (registration N3030H) operated by Whites Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Estacada, OR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to maintain landing skid clearance during hover taxi, which resulted in a dynamic rollover. A factor was the gusty wind condition. 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

A helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover after its skid caught on a trailer lip during lift-off; the pilot had noted a wind shift before the accident. No aircraft anomalies were reported.

Incident Description

The helicopter was parked on a trailer with its nose facing into the wind. Approximately half an hour before the planned repositioning to a mixing truck, the pilot began the lift-off. Upon lifting off from the trailer, the pilot observed that the wind had shifted approximately 40 to 50 degrees to the left and was gusting between 10 and 20 knots. The helicopter subsequently began to weathervane, turning left into the wind. Before the pilot could correct the resulting left yaw, the forward skid of the helicopter became caught under the left lip of the trailer. This caused the helicopter to dynamically roll over onto its left side.

The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies with the helicopter that would have contributed to the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 May 2005 Hiller UH-12E accident near Estacada, OR?

A helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover after its skid caught on a trailer lip during lift-off; the pilot had noted a wind shift before the accident. No aircraft anomalies were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 May 2005 Hiller UH-12E accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 May 2005 involved a Hiller UH-12E, registration N3030H, operated by Whites Flying Service, at Estacada, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the pilot to maintain landing skid clearance during hover taxi, which resulted in a dynamic rollover. A factor was the gusty wind condition.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050615X00778. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.