PARK RAPIDS, MN, USA
N86663
Hiller UH-12E
The pilot stated that the conditions were congested (semi-confined) in the area of takeoff. He said that wind gusts, or turbulence surrounding nearby buildings may have contributed to the loss of control during initial climb, when the helicopter pitched down and rolled to the left prior to impact with the terrain.
On June 24, 1998, at 1130 central daylight time, a Hiller UH-12E, N86663, impacted the terrain during an initial takeoff climb near Park Rapids, Minnesota. The commercial pilot received no injuries and the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The helicopter was being operated as a commercial flight under 14 CFR 137 when the accident occurred. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The pilot said that he was departing to the south in a "semi-confined" area adjacent to two warehouses. He thought that he might have encountered a wind gust or "dust devil" which caused the helicopter to pitch down and roll to the left, prior to impact with the terrain. No pre-impact anomalies were found in an inspection of the helicopter subsequent to the accident.
the pilot's failure to maintain control of aircraft. Factors were the congested helipad conditions and wind gusts.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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