Date & Time: May 10, 2021, 13:20 Local
Registration: N567VF
Aircraft: RICHARDS HEAVYLIFT HELO INC UH-1H
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Ground handling event
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural
Analysis
The pilot reported that after landing on a trailer landing pad for the purpose of hot refueling and loading chemical product onboard, on completing those actions, the helicopter slid backwards off the trailer impacting the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations. The operator reported that the helicopter’s center of gravity required that both skid cross tubes be positioned over the landing pad, which required the front cross tube to be placed precisely near the front of the landing pad. The ground crew and pilot were unsure of the helicopter’s position when it landed but recognized that it was possibly too far aft. Following the accident, the operator installed extensions to the landing pad to provide a larger landing area for the helicopter.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s improper positioning of the helicopter on the landing pad, and his failure to monitor and control the helicopter as fuel and chemical product were loaded, which led to the helicopter tipping and sliding off the landing pad, and subsequently impacting the ground.
Findings
Personnel issues (general) - Pilot
Aircraft (general) - Incorrect use/operation
Factual Information
History of Flight
Standing-engine(s) operating Ground handling event (Defining event)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial
Age: 50,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s):
Helicopter Restraint Used: Lap only
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: February 2, 2021
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: March 1, 2020
Flight Time: 5050 hours (Total, all aircraft), 260 hours (Total, this make and model), 5000 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 50 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 50 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: RICHARDS HEAVYLIFT HELO INC
Registration: N567VF
Model/Series: UH-1H
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 1966
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted (Special)
Serial Number: 65-10016
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats: 3
Date/Type of Last Inspection: December 11, 2020 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 9500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo shaft
Airframe Total Time: 7938 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Honeywell
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: T53-L-703
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 1800 Horsepower
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Rotorcraft external load (133), Agricultural aircraft (137)
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KHSB,396 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 13 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 13:15 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 231°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots / 14 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 90°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.15 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 15°C / 1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Mount Vernon, IL
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: New Haven, IL
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 08:00 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 37.944686,-88.337917(est)
