Accident Summary
A helicopter crashed into trees and nosed into wooded terrain after experiencing a loss of power. The pilot had been engaged in crop spraying operations. On the accident day, the pilot resumed spraying from where he had stopped the previous day. After spraying 10 acres, he began the return flight to the base. Approximately halfway back, the engine quit. Witnesses on the ground heard the engine pop and then go silent, and they saw the helicopter descending, but trees obstructed their view of the actual impact.
Fuel and Operations
The helicopter had been refueled the day before the accident. Normal fuel load was 20 gallons. On the previous day, the pilot had sprayed 20 acres and flown 9 miles to another field intending to spray, but aborted due to wind and returned to the airport. On the accident day, there was no record of fueling. The pilot took up operations where he had stopped, sprayed 10 additional acres, and then started back to base.
Investigation Findings
During the crash, the fuel tanks located over the engine burst. No fire occurred, and there was no evidence of fuel spillage at the scene. The investigation revealed no mechanical discrepancies or human impairment. The only finding was evidence of lack of fuel.