Hiller UH-12D accident near Deer Island, Oregon, August 7, 2012
On August 7, 2012 at about 2:15 pm local time, a 1959 Hiller UH-12D (helicopter), registered N47035, was substantially damaged in an accident during maneuvering (low-alt flying) near Deer Island, Oregon. It was an aerial application (crop spraying) flight under agricultural flying rules (Part 137). 1 person had minor injuries. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
A loss of helicopter control while maneuvering at low altitude for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- August 7, 2012 · about 2:15 pm local time
- Place
- Deer Island, Oregon · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person had minor injuries.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Hiller UH-12D, built 1959 · all UH-12Ds on the register
- Registration
- N47035 · no longer on the register · serial 1074
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Aerial application (crop spraying) flight · agricultural flying rules (Part 137)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The commercial pilot of the turbine-powered helicopter was conducting his seventh agricultural application flight of the day. After completing a pass and while the helicopter was about 45 ft above ground level, the pilot entered a right course-reversal turn for another pass. While the helicopter was turning, the pilot felt it shudder, and shortly thereafter, he heard a loud "bang." The helicopter then began to shake, and the pilot had little to no control. The helicopter skidded right, started descending, struck the ground, and rolled onto its right side. Postaccident examination of the helicopter did not reveal any preimpact mechanical deficiencies or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
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
What happened, in order
- Loss of control in flight during maneuvering (low-alt flying) defining event
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during uncontrolled descent
The NTSB's findings
- cause Not determined › Not determined › (general) › (general) › Unknown/Not determined
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › (general) › Not attained/maintained
Pilot
- Certificate: commercial pilot
- Ratings: single-engine land; rotorcraft: helicopter
- Flight time: 6,375 hours in all; 5,000 in this make and model
- Last flight review: November 14, 2011
- Medical certificate: Class 2 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: minor injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 18,069 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, June 22, 2012; 53 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 3,100 lb
- Seats: 3
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Allison 250-C20B (turboshaft); 11,790 hours total
- Operator: Western Helicopter Services INC
The flight
- Departed from: Deer Island OR at 2:15 pm
- Destination: Deer Island OR
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 275° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: overcast at 2,000 ft; ovct
- Temperature: 57°F (14°C), dew point 52°F (11°C)
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight 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.