NTSB Factual Report

On June 12, 2007, approximately 0805 Pacific daylight time, a UH-1B helicopter, N2087S, sustained substantial damage after impacting terrain following a loss of control while taking off from a loading platform near Biggs, California. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant of the helicopter, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight, which was operated in accordance with 14 CFR Part 137, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

In a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot reported that after the helicopter lifted off from a platform on top of a chemical supply truck, he heard a "whining" sound. The pilot stated that after the "whining" noise stopped, the helicopter's flight controls became stiff and "locked up." The pilot reported that even though the flight controls were restricted, he managed to pull the cyclic back to aid the helicopter in settling to the ground as soft as possible. The pilot stated that after touching down the helicopter skidded to the right and subsequently experienced a dynamic rollover. The pilot further stated that his initial assessment of what had caused the accident was a failure of the hydraulic pump that supplies hydraulic power to the flight controls.

Maintenance records provided to the IIC by the operator revealed that the Sperry Vickers variable delivery type hydraulic pump, part number 3-044-8, serial number MX172924, was installed on May 1, 2007, at a total airframe time of 8096.9 hours; total airframe hours at the time of the accident was 8105.6. An initial damage assessment of the hydraulic pump by a certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic shortly after the accident revealed the following: there was no sign of oil seepage or leakage from the shaft seal; the drive shaft splines appeared undamaged with no heat discoloration; the shaft appeared bent at an angle; hydraulic suction, pressure and drains lines were sheared off; the pump's conical cap was sheared off.

On July 30, 2007, under the supervision of the IIC, the helicopter's hydraulic pump was examined by a hydraulic pump technician at the facilities of Spencer Power Fluid of Kent, Washington. The examination revealed the following: the stroking piston was missing; 7 pistons were removed with some particle contaminant noted, but no other anomalies observed; the swash plate was intact with no anomalies noted; the thrust plate was intact with no anomalies noted; a visual observation of the drive shaft bearing revealed some heat distress; a visual observation of the valve plate side of the cylinder block revealed some heat distress. The technician reported that based on the components of the hydraulic pump that he examined, no anomalies were observed with the pump which would have precluded normal operation.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector, who traveled to the accident site, the hydraulic pump was salvaged from a surplus helicopter the operator purchased in 2000. The inspector revealed that the pump was not put into operation until it was installed on the accident helicopter, and that prior to its installation it was not tested and its condition was unknown. The inspector also revealed that the pump had sustained impact damage as a result of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

Loss of control during hover for undetermined reasons.