Accident Narrative
A helicopter on an agricultural spraying flight experienced an engine failure while maneuvering. According to the pilot, the fuel gauges indicated 20 gallons at takeoff. After completing a spray run, the helicopter began to climb from approximately 10 feet above ground at 25 miles per hour. At that point, the engine quit, and the pilot reported that it sounded as if the engine had run out of fuel. The helicopter lacked sufficient altitude and airspeed to perform an autorotation, resulting in a high-sink-rate touchdown. The helicopter struck the ground and partially fell into a canal.
Post-Accident Examination
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on the afternoon of the accident, the pilot stated that he believed the helicopter had run out of fuel. At the accident site, an FAA inspector visually assessed the fuel quantity through the filler opening and noted that the tank appeared empty.
The following day, the pilot contacted the FAA and reported that he had drained 2.5 gallons of fuel from the helicopter. He also stated that he had discovered a clogged fuel vent.