On November 15, 2010, a HILLER-ROGERSON HELICOPTER UH12E operated by SUMMIT HELICOPTERS INC was involved in an aviation accident near Madison, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's encounter with a settling with power condition while he was performing slow, low-level, out-of- ground-effect flight maneuvers. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter performing herbicide spray patterns experienced a loss of altitude during a turn, touched down, spun, and rolled onto its left side. The tail boom sustained substantial damage; no pre-impact mechanical issues were reported.
Accident Description
According to the helicopter pilot, he was completing north-south herbicide spray patterns with winds varying from east to south at 4 to 5 mph. As the pilot positioned the helicopter for the next northern track, he began to feel the aircraft lose altitude after the turn. He stated that he tried to regain control by pushing forward the cyclic and lowering the collective to "get out of the settling with power." When ground contact was imminent, he raised the collective to cushion the impact. The helicopter touched down, spun, and rolled onto its left side.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the tail boom. The pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions.
Contributing factors
Altitude — Not attained/maintainedAttain/maintain not possible
What happened in the 15 Nov 2010 HILLER-ROGERSON HELICOPTER UH12E accident near Madison, FL?
A helicopter performing herbicide spray patterns experienced a loss of altitude during a turn, touched down, spun, and rolled onto its left side. The tail boom sustained substantial damage; no pre-impact mechanical issues were reported.
Were there any fatalities in the 15 Nov 2010 HILLER-ROGERSON HELICOPTER UH12E accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Nov 2010 involved a HILLER-ROGERSON HELICOPTER UH12E, operated by SUMMIT HELICOPTERS INC, at Madison, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's encounter with a settling with power condition while he was performing slow, low-level, out-of- ground-effect flight maneuvers.
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