CAPAC, MI, USA
N48209
HILLER UH-12B
TEN MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF AND JUST PRIOR TO LETDOWN FROM 350 FEET AGL A MAIN ROTOR BLADE DRAG STRUT FAILED DUE TO PROGRESSIVE FATIGUE THROUGH A THREADED PORTION OF THE STRUT. ONLY PARTIAL CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER WAS POSSIBLE AFTER THE FAILURE. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AT ONE POINT, BUT REGAINED CONTROL IN TIME TO PERFORM A HARD, SLIDING LANDING IN A FIELD. SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE OCCURRED. THE ENTIRE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS TOOK PLACE IN 10-15 SECONDS. THE PLT HAD A PRIVATE CERT FOR FIXED WING AND A STUDENT CERT FOR ROTORCRAFT.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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