What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-12-12 involved a Hughes 369D, registration N58261, operated by Gradney Helicopters, at Kountze, TX.

Helicopter Accident Following Fuel Exhaustion During Fertilizer Application (N58261)

On December 12, 1988, a Hughes 369D (registration N58261) operated by Gradney Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near Kountze, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A helicopter lost engine power due to fuel exhaustion while dispensing fertilizer. The pilot's attempt to release the bucket failed; the bucket and line entangled in trees, resulting in a hard landing and substantial damage.

Flight and Incident

The helicopter was engaged in agricultural operations, dispensing fertilizer from a bucket suspended on a line. During the flight, the engine lost power because the fuel supply was exhausted.

Attempted Bucket Release

The pilot attempted to jettison the bucket by releasing it, but the release mechanism did not function. Subsequently, the bucket and line became entangled in trees.

Landing and Damage

The helicopter then touched down heavily on the front end of the left skid. The impact severed the tailboom, and the helicopter came to rest on its side.

Pilot's Observations

The pilot reported that throughout the flight, he noticed the fuel gauge reading appeared to remain steady at approximately 120 pounds. He did not perceive a problem, as he had never encountered a malfunction with the fuel gauge in prior operations.

Probable cause

Engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion.

1988-12-12: Hughes 369D (N58261) — Gradney Helicopters — Kountze, TX