Incident Overview
A helicopter conducting an aerial right-of-way-burning flight made a hard landing after the engine flamed out due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot reported that during the burning operation, attention was focused outside the helicopter because of terrain and obstacles.
Sequence of Events
After completing the burning operation for that flight, the pilot checked the aircraft fuel quantity and observed an indication of 2 to 3 gallons remaining. The pilot immediately headed toward the landing area. Approximately one-quarter mile from the landing site, the fuel pump, engine out, and low RPM caution lights illuminated as the engine flamed out.
Maneuvering and Landing
Because the helicopter was still over trees, collective pitch was held until the trees were cleared. Subsequently, there was insufficient rotor RPM to cushion the landing, and a hard landing occurred.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, the fuel strainer was checked and found to be empty.