Hiller UH-12B N5304V

Summary

On 17 March 2000 at about 18:52 local time, a Hiller UH-12B registered N5304V, operated by Robert Kivlen, was involved in an accident near Sanford, Florida, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

17 March 2000 at 18:52

Classification

Accident

Location

Sanford, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

Sanford (SFB)

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Hiller UH-12B

Registration

N5304V

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Robert Kivlen

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA00LA111

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's improper collective and cyclic control usage during an emergency descent, following the onset of a 1 to 1 vibration for undetermined reasons, resulting in the helicopter landing hard and rolling over.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

While climbing after takeoff, the pilot stated he experienced a 1 to 1 vibration. He lowered the collective and initiated an approach the surface. The vibration got worse and as he approached the surface and raised the collective the helicopter felt like there was no response from the controls. The helicopter hit hard and rolled onto it's side. Post crash examination of the helicopter by an FAA inspector showed no obvious mechanical defects in the rotors or flight control systems. The left engine magneto 'P' lead was found loose, rendering the magneto inoperative. The threads on the 'P' lead had no damage and the magneto was not damaged from impact.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.