NTSB Factual Report

On July 25, 2001, at 1130 central daylight time, a Hiller UH-12E, N67067, piloted by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage during an in-flight collision with the terrain following dragging a skid and subsequent rollover during a takeoff near Hastings, Nebraska. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The aerial application flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137 without a flight plan. The pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The local flight was departing at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot's written statement, he had performed 15 takeoffs during the last 2 hours with no significant change in the weather. The pilot reported that he was using the bed of a service truck for takeoff and landing operations. The pilot stated that on his last takeoff, "... the wind dropped off, causing helicopter to settle. Control was maintained and proceed to translational lift. Helicopter crossed barren ground rizing from 2-3 feet to about 8 feet. Crossed over into cornfield. Helicopter began to settle again maintained control to ground. Helicopter slid about 10 feet. Right front skid caught on corn row causing helicopter to flip onto right side, and come to a stop."

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft control not being maintained by the pilot which resulted in the encountered settling with power flight condition during the initial climb. Factors to the accident were the reported variable winds during the takeoff and the corn crop.