Probable cause
An undetermined mechanical malfuction associated with the tail rotor drive system which led to a loss of control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported hearing a loud noise and experiencing vibrations while piloting his helicopter in cruise about 1,000 feet above the ground. The pilot performed an autorotation to an open field, and was able to maintain control of the helicopter throughout the autorotaion. The pilot reported that a tail rotor strike did not occur. Failed parts from the transmission, tail rotor blades, and associated tail rotor drive hardware were submitted to the NTSB for metallurgical examination. All parts appeared to have failed in overload; however, the origin of the overload failures, or whether they were pre- or post-impact, could not be determined
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08LA100 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 7, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Quinton, Oklahoma
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
Hiller UH-12E
- N-number
- N34SD
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
Other records under this N-number
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.