ALVIN, TX, USA
N41319
HILLER UH-12
DURING A CLIMB TO CRUISE THE ENGINE POWER FLUCTUATED AND MAIN ROTOR RPM DECAYED TO A LEVEL INSUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN FLIGHT. THE PILOT EXECUTED AN AUTOROTATION FROM A LOW ALTITUDE TO THE ONLY AVAILABLE AREA. DURING THE TOUCHDOWN THE RIGHT SKID WAS DAMAGED AND THE TAIL BOOM WAS SEVERED. AN FAA AIRWORTHINESS INSPECTOR EXAMINED THE ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN; NO DISCREPANCIES WERE DISCOVERED.
On April 16, 1994, at 1015 central daylight time, a Hiller UH-12, N41319, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Alvin, Texas. The airline transport rated pilot and a passenger were not injured. A second passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area business flight. In the enclosed pilot/operator report, the pilot reported that he completed all hover check items and departed to the northeast. He further reported that he had transitioned through effective translational lift and commenced a climb. He further reported that after clearing his initial obstacle the engine power fluctuated and the main rotor revolutions began to decay. In his statement he stated that he followed the required procedures in an attempt to build more rotor speed, without success. The pilot initiated a forced landing, from a low altitude, to an open area. An inspection of the aircraft revealed that the cross tube assembly and right skid sustained damage. Additional damage included the severing of the tail boom during a main rotor strike. An examination of the engine and drive train systems, by a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness inspector, failed to reveal any discrepancies that would result in a loss of engine power or main rotor speed. The aircraft was released to the owner.
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ROTOR SPEED, DELAY OF THE FLARE, AND THE IMPROPER TOUCHDOWN. A FACTOR WAS THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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