Hiller UH-12E accident near Truckee, California, May 14, 1997
On May 14, 1997 at about 6:59 pm local time, a Hiller UH-12E (helicopter), registered N7082D, was substantially damaged in an accident near Truckee, California (Private Dirt Strip airport). It was a positioning flight under external-load helicopter rules (Part 133). 1 person was seriously injured. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor in the accident was the unsuccessful attempt to release the long line from the belly hook after it became entangled in a tree.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- May 14, 1997 · about 6:59 pm local time
- Place
- Truckee, California · Private Dirt Strip · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was seriously injured.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Hiller UH-12E · all UH-12Es on the register
- Registration
- N7082D · no longer on the register · serial 5193
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Positioning flight · external-load helicopter rules (Part 133)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot reported that the purpose of the accident flight was to move a 200-foot long line to a new clearing area. After takeoff from the dirt strip, the pilot heard a change in the sound of the engine. He stated that he was turning back to make an emergency landing and attempted to release the long line; however, it became entangled around a tree and the helicopter impacted the ground. FAA inspectors examined the helicopter and the long line, but could not make a determination of when the long line became entangled in the tree; during takeoff or upon returning to land. Examination of the engine revealed continuity throughout, with no preexisting malfunctions noted.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
Pilot
- Certificate: commercial pilot, military
- Ratings: instrument: helicopter; rotorcraft: helicopter
- Flight time: 3,878 hours in all; 855 in this make and model; 169 in the last 90 days; 27 in the last 30 days; 2,934 as pilot in command
- Medical certificate: Class 2 (valid medical--no waivers/lim.)
- Seat: left
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 2,802 hours
- Last inspection: 100-hour inspection, April 24, 1997; 60 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 3,100 lb
- Seats: 3
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Allison 250-C20B (turboshaft); 0 hours total
The flight
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 0
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 220° at 8 knots, gusting 18
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Sky: scat at 18,000 ft
- Temperature: 75°F (24°C), dew point 37°F (3°C)
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observation at 7:50 pm from TRK, 7 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.