During an aerial application flight, the pilot was making a spray pass at approximately three feet above the crop. During the pass the engine sputtered and died. He entered an autorotation and attempted to slow from 50 mph. The aircraft impacted terrain and came to rest on its side. The pilot noted the helicopter was refueled about an hour prior to the accident. An FAA inspector reported the helicopter was not refueled to its proper quantity, causing the pilot to miscalculate the fuel aboard. Post-impact inspection revealed an estimated two gallons or less of fuel in the intact tank.
June 10, 2010, Los Banos, Calif., Texas Helicopter Corp. OH-13E/M74
During an aerial application flight, the pilot was making a spray pass at approximately three feet above the crop. During the pass the engine sputtered and died. He entered an autorotation and attempted to slow from 50 mph. The aircraft impacted terrain and came to rest on its side.
Key Takeaways:
- An aerial application helicopter experienced engine failure during a low-level spray pass, resulting in an impact with terrain.
- The engine failure was attributed to fuel exhaustion, with an estimated two gallons or less remaining in the tank post-impact.
- The helicopter was inadequately refueled an hour prior, leading the pilot to miscalculate the actual fuel quantity aboard.
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