|
The 1951-built Hiller H-23A-UH Raven s/n 237 was one of 105 H-23A helicopters produced for the US Army and USAF in 1950-1951 by United
Helicopters Inc. at Palo Alto, Califonia, and entered service with the US Army as 51-4015. In 1952, United Helicopters Inc. became
Hiller Helicopters Corp., as before at Palo Alto, California. Little is known about the the military service of the 51-4015: although
the present owner stated that the present colors were used by the 51-4015 in service as a Coast Guard helicopter, there is no history
known of an US Army Hiller as an USCG helicopter, but it is known that the US Army used the helicopters for medical evacuation. On
27 August 1971, after being withdrawn from military service, the helicopter was
purchased as a military surplus aircraft and was issued an FAA standard airworthiness certificate as an Hiller UH-12A on that date.
On 16 September 1988, the Hiller was registered N212W to Matney Merrell, Arizona. In 1997, the N212W was registered to Hiller Flyers Inc,
Florida; the same year the N212W was registered with Lungrin Flying Service, Florida. On 11 September 1999, Hiller UH-12A N212W was
substantially damaged whem it collided with the ground while on approach to land in Sataria, Mississippi. The pilot had decided to
land in an open area due to a physical urgency. During the approach, a loud noise occurred and the helicopter became uncontrollable.
Upon impact, the helicopter rolled onto its right side, sustaining damage to the main rotor blades, the tail boom, the skids, and the
fuselage. Examination of the helicopter disclosed that the forward engine/transmission mounts had separated from the airframe. During
the examination of the accident site, all helicopter parts and components were confined to a 91 meter radius of the main wreckage. In
July 2002, registration N212W was cancelled. Despite the damage, it was worth to rebuilt the helicopter and in November 2002, registration
N212W was restored. On 18 April 2005, the N212W was registered to Southern Aircraft Consultancy Inc Trustee and shipped to the UK, where
it was seen stored at Henstridge in January 2006. Sale was reported on 6 May 2010, with registration pending then from the 11 May 2010.
The N212W was still at Henstridge in the UK. On 28 October 2011, Hiller UH-12A N212W was registered to International Air Service Inc.
Trustee, Nevada. Today, Hiller UH-12A N212W is based at Hannover Langenhagen airport in Germany.
On 22 May 2022, Hiller UH-12A N212W
was seen at Flugplatz Diepholz-Dümmerland (ETND) in US Army colors during the 2022 Fly-in. |
