Accident Overview
On April 6, 2025, at approximately 1020 eastern daylight time, a Hiller UH-12E helicopter (registration N48263) was substantially damaged when it crashed near Rockledge, Florida. The private pilot and a passenger sustained serious injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight Details
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) data and information provided by the pilot, the helicopter initially made a left turn and proceeded in a southwest direction, climbing to a barometric altitude of 600 feet. The helicopter maintained that heading at an indicated airspeed between 68 and 70 knots until about 1019:48. At that time, the pilot reported feeling a deceleration, after which the helicopter turned to the right and began flying in a northerly direction.
Pilot Recollection and Witness Video
The pilot stated that he had no recollection of any events following the right turn. However, witness video captured the helicopter yawing left and right about its vertical axis while descending vertically. Before the helicopter disappeared from view behind trees, it was observed yawing slightly to the left. The video also captured sounds from the rotor(s) and engine.
Impact and Post-Accident Condition
The helicopter impacted the infield of a baseball field and came to rest on its right side. Fuel leakage was observed at the accident site. The helicopter was subsequently recovered and retained for further examination.