17 Mar 2011: HILLER UH-12D — WILLIAMS MANAGEMENT

17 Mar 2011: HILLER UH-12D — WILLIAMS MANAGEMENT

No fatalities • Iowa, LA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty crosswinds during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that he was landing his helicopter. He transitioned from the south to a hover at three feet above the ground. The pilot indicated that a sudden gust of wind "blew the helicopter forward and down." The left skid impacted the ground. The helicopter turned to the right and rolled over onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to its fuselage and tailcone. Local winds were 160 degrees at 15 knots gusting to 19 knots. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Response/compensation
  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 160/15kt, vis 10sm

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