Accident Overview
On April 4, 2008, at 1503 central daylight time, a Hiller UH-12E helicopter, registration N40289, operated by Ascent Aviation, was substantially damaged when it struck the ground and rolled over while maneuvering at La Porte Municipal Airport (T14), La Porte, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The test flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan.
Pilot and Flight Details
The airline transport certificated pilot received minor injuries, and his pilot certificated passenger was not injured. The flight originated at T41 approximately 10 minutes before the accident.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's accident report, he was test flying the helicopter after performing maintenance requested by its new owner. He performed two "quick stop" maneuvers into the wind. After completing the quick stop maneuver and while in a 5-foot hover, he initiated a slow pedal turn to the left to return to the hangar. As he began the turn, he noticed "a loss of control effectiveness" and attempted to set the helicopter down. Before he could regain control, the helicopter "slammed" into the ground.
Weather Conditions and Damage
The pilot reported that it had begun to rain, and after exiting the helicopter, he noticed the wind sock had shifted 180 degrees. The tail boom was severed and the main rotor blades were destroyed.