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HILLER UH-12E accident at Mecca, CA, 21 Sept 2010

Mecca, CA, United States

On September 21, 2010, a HILLER UH-12E operated by Salton Sea Air Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Mecca, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an obstacle while maneuvering. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an obstacle while maneuvering.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

While maneuvering during an agricultural application flight, the pilot flew too close to a telephone pole. The helicopter's main rotor blade impacted the pole about 10 feet above the ground. Thereafter, the pilot lost control of the helicopter and crashed into the field. The pilot reported that prior to the collision, no mechanical malfunctions were experienced with the helicopter.

Contributing factors

Pilot

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Sept 2010 HILLER UH-12E accident near Mecca, CA?

While maneuvering during an agricultural application flight, the pilot flew too close to a telephone pole. The helicopter's main rotor blade impacted the pole about 10 feet above the ground. Thereafter, the pilot lost control of the helicopter and crashed into the field. The pilot reported that prior to the…

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Sept 2010 HILLER UH-12E accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Sept 2010 involved a HILLER UH-12E, operated by Salton Sea Air Service, Inc., at Mecca, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an obstacle while maneuvering.

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