Event MIA94LA029

Factual narrative

On November 26, 1993, about 0945 eastern standard time, a Hiller UH-12E, N130HA, registered to Taylor Helicopter, Inc., crashed near Moore Haven, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 137, aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the commercial-rated pilot received minor injuries. The flight originated from a road near Moore Haven, Florida, on November 26, 1993, at 0940. The pilot stated he was flying east at 5 feet agl and at 50 knots, spraying a field. The engine sputtered and quit and the aircraft pitched up and then fell to the ground. He stated the aircraft contained 10 gallons of fuel at the time of engine failure. Postaccident examination of the aircraft by an FAA inspector indicated there was continuity of all engine and flight control systems. The aircraft's fuel tank contained 5 gallons of uncontaminated fuel. All fuel screens and lines were free of contamination and obstructions. The engine was motored using the starter and the engine assembly had continuity. Each ignition lead sparked normally during engine motoring. THE PILOT STATED THAT WHILE FLYING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 5 FEET AGL, SPRAYING CROPS, THE ENGINE SPUTTERED AND QUIT. THE AIRCRAFT PITCHED UP AND THEN DESCENDED INTO THE GROUND. POSTACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE INDICATED THE ENGINE ROTATED NORMALLY AND EACH MAGNETO PRODUCED NORMAL SPARK. ALL FUEL LINES AND SCREENS WERE FREE OF DEBRIS. FIVE GALLONS OF UNCONTAMINATED FUEL WAS DRAINED FROM THE AIRCRAFT AND ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM. CONTINUITY OF ALL FLIGHT CONTROL AND ENGINE CONTROLS WERE CONFIRMED. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12