On April 8, 1989, a Hughes 269B (registration N9456F) operated by Novo Helicopter Service was involved in an aviation accident near Long Beach, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced fuel exhaustion after reporting a slight fuel situation, leading to engine failure and an emergency landing on a street near the airport.
What happened
The flight originated with approximately 20 gallons of fuel in the aircraft's 30-gallon fuel tank. About 1.7 hours into the flight, while the pilot was returning to land, he reported a slight fuel situation. Approximately two minutes later, the engine lost power. The aircraft was subsequently damaged as the pilot attempted an emergency landing on a street about one-quarter mile from the airport.
Findings
The investigation determined that fuel exhaustion was the primary factor leading to the loss of engine power. The pilot's decision to continue the flight with limited fuel reserves contributed to the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power.
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