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Helicopter Main Rotor Strikes Auger During Seeding Bucket Attachment

Frankfort, KS, United States

On September 20, 2018, a Hiller UH 12E Undesignat operated by Sky Copters Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Frankfort, KS. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The ground crewmember's improper grabbing of the hovering helicopter's skid during an external load hook-up, which resulted in the helicopter descending and the main rotors striking ground equipment. 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

A skid-equipped helicopter sustained substantial damage when its main rotor blades struck the auger on a seed tender after a ground crewmember grabbed the skid during bucket attachment.

Accident Description

The pilot of a skid-equipped helicopter reported that he established a hover over a seeding bucket to allow the ground crew to attach the bucket to the helicopter's cargo hook. During this operation, one of the ground crewmembers grabbed the helicopter's skid while attempting to connect the bucket. Subsequently, the helicopter descended, and the main rotor blades struck the auger on the seed tender. The helicopter then came to rest upright on top of a grass bale located in front of the seed tender.

Damage

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor and the tail rotor drive systems.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Ground crewAttain/maintain not possibleEffect on operation

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Sept 2018 Hiller UH 12E Undesignat accident near Frankfort, KS?

A skid-equipped helicopter sustained substantial damage when its main rotor blades struck the auger on a seed tender after a ground crewmember grabbed the skid during bucket attachment.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Sept 2018 Hiller UH 12E Undesignat accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Sept 2018 involved a Hiller UH 12E Undesignat, operated by Sky Copters Inc., at Frankfort, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The ground crewmember's improper grabbing of the hovering helicopter's skid during an external load hook-up, which resulted in the helicopter descending and the main rotors striking ground equipment.

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