Probable cause
The loss of tail rotor effectiveness. Contributing factors were the sudden windshift to a tailwind, and the pilot initiating a hovering turn in ground effect.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was test flying the helicopter after maintenance. He did two "quick stop" maneuvers into the wind. After completing the quick stop maneuver, and while in a 5-foot hover, he initiated a slow pedal turn to the left to return to the hangar. As he began the turn, he noticed "a loss of control effectiveness" and he attempted to set the helicopter down. Before he could regain control, the helicopter "slammed" into the ground. The pilot said it had begun to rain, and after he exited the helicopter, he noticed the wind sock had shifted 180 degrees. The tail boom was severed and the main rotor blades were destroyed.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DEN08LA071 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 4, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- La Porte, Texas
- Nearest airport
- La Porte Municipal (T41)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hiller UH-12E
- N-number
- N40289
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Flight test
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.