JUSTIN, TX, USA
N1048P
HILLER UH12B
THE COMMERCIAL PILOT REPORTED THAT THE HELICOPTER DEVELOPED A SEVERE VERTICAL VIBRATION WHILE ON HIS TURN TO FINAL APPROACH WHILE ON A TEST FLIGHT FOR COMPLETION OF AN ANNUAL INSPECTION. THE PILOT ELECTED TO MAKE AN IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY LANDING TO AN OPEN FIELD SHORT OF HIS INTENDED LANDING POINT. WHILE ON AN EXAGGERATED FLARE TO AVOID IMPACTING LARGE BALES OF HAY, THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK THE GROUND AND THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES IMPACTED THE TAILBOOM. THE LEFT LANDING GEAR SKID FOLDED PRIOR TO THE HELICOPTER COMING TO A STOP. THE SOURCE OF THE VERTICAL VIBRATION WAS NOT IDENTIFIED.
FAILURE OF THE MAIN ROTOR SYSTEM FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN AT THE PILOT'S DISPOSAL.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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