Accident Details
A helicopter engaged in agricultural aerial application operations experienced a complete loss of engine power while returning to the loading area after its third flight. The pilot had noted before the first flight that the fuel gauge was inoperative. After two previous flights, the helicopter had returned to the loading area each time. The third flight was completed, and during the return leg, the engine lost all power.
Sequence of Events
Following the power loss, the pilot initiated an autorotation. During the maneuver, the pilot flared too high, leading to a loss of tail rotor authority. The tail rotor then struck a rising embankment, and the helicopter sustained a hard landing on its right skid.
Investigation Findings
A post-accident investigation revealed that the fuel tank and the fuel control inlet lines contained no fuel. The inoperative fuel gauge likely contributed to the pilot's inability to monitor fuel quantity accurately.
Conclusion
The accident resulted from fuel exhaustion, which led to an engine power loss. The subsequent autorotation and hard landing were consequences of the fuel state.