On September 23, 1984, a Bell 47G-3B1 (registration N90543) was involved in an aviation accident near Miss.pal.st.pk, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel was on board for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter lost power shortly after takeoff, forcing the pilot to autorotate into trees. Investigation revealed empty fuel tanks and a failure by the pilot to check fuel levels before departure.
What happened
The helicopter experienced a total loss of power approximately two minutes after takeoff. With no suitable landing area available in the immediate vicinity, the pilot initiated an autorotation maneuver that resulted in impact with trees.
The investigation
Mechanics examined the aircraft following the accident and found no fuel remaining in the fuel tanks. This physical evidence confirmed a complete depletion of the fuel supply prior to the incident.
Findings
The two passengers on board provided statements indicating that the pilot did not visually check the fuel quantity before takeoff. The absence of fuel in the tanks, combined with the lack of pre-flight verification, points directly to fuel exhaustion as the primary factor leading to the power loss.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel was on board for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion.
What happened in the 23 Sept 1984 Bell 47G-3B1 accident near Miss.pal.st.pk, IL?
A helicopter lost power shortly after takeoff, forcing the pilot to autorotate into trees. Investigation revealed empty fuel tanks and a failure by the pilot to check fuel levels before departure.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Sept 1984 involved a Bell 47G-3B1, registration N90543, at Miss.pal.st.pk, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel was on board for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion.
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