Sikorsky UH-34D accident near Wilton, IA
On July 25, 2011, a Sikorsky UH-34D (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Wilton, IA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- July 25, 2011
- Place
- Wilton, IA
- Aircraft
- Sikorsky UH-34D · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 41.580°N, 91.020°W
- NTSB ID
- 20110726X03343
Official records · CEN11FA507
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On July 25, 2011, about 1130 central daylight time, a Sikorsky UH-34D, N3880J, impacted terrain while spraying fungicide on a corn field near Wilton, Iowa. The certificated airline transport pilot sustained fatal injuries. The helicopter sustained substantial damage, which included postimpact fire damage. The helicopter was registered to US Helicopter LLC and operated by Southern Helicopter Services LLC under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight. The flight originated from a field about 3/4 mile from the accident site about 1125. The pilot landed the helicopter near the field to be sprayed where it was loaded with 5 gallons of fungicide, 250 gallons of water, and 150 gallons of 100 octane fuel. The loaders were not certain of the actual weight of the product but were able to determine that the takeoff weight should not have exceeded the maximum takeoff weight. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot flew toward the field that was to be sprayed to conduct an aerial survey at an altitude of nearby powerlines, which were about 40-50 feet above ground level. As the helicopter flew on a southerly heading along the eastern edge of the field, the helicopter was brought into an out-of-ground-effect hover. A left pedal turn was performed, and the helicopter descended and impacted into trees and terrain near the field. A witness stated that the helicopter flew ove
Probable cause
The inadequate performance planning by the pilot that resulted in reduced climb capability while transitioning to an out-of-ground effect hover with a left pedal turn.
More accidents in IA
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- Piper PA-32-260, Dec 18, 2003
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Browse: Iowa · Sikorsky aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
