Probable cause
The ground crewmember's improper grabbing of the hovering helicopter's skid during an external load hook-up, which resulted in the helicopter descending and the main rotors striking ground equipment.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the skid-equipped helicopter reported that he established a hover over a seeding bucket so that the ground crew could attach the bucket to the helicopter's cargo hook. One of the ground crewmembers grabbed the skid while trying to connect the bucket, and subsequently, the helicopter descended, which resulted in the main rotor blades striking ground equipment. The helicopter subsequently came to rest upright on top of a grass bale in front of the equipment.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor and tail rotor drive systems.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA573 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 20, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Frankfort, Kansas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hiller UH 12E
- N-number
- N1349A
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1960
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 133 (external load)
- Purpose of flight
- External load
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.