On April 14, 1989, a Hiller UH-12D (registration N14490) operated by Mountain Air Helicopter was involved in an aviation accident near Bolinas, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING IN THAT HE DID NOT ACCURATELY ACCOUNT FOR THE FUEL ON BOARD THE AIRCRAFT AS A BASIS FOR FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS THEREBY CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STOP PRODUCING POWER BECAUSE OF A LACK OF FUEL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an external load operation, the helicopter's engine lost power, leading to an autorotation into a surf tidal pool and a hard landing. The pilot reported fuel exhaustion and stated he did not check fuel levels before the flight.
Event Summary
During an external load operation, the helicopter experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot performed an autorotation, which resulted in the aircraft landing in a surf tidal pool. The touchdown was described as a hard landing.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the helicopter ran out of fuel. He stated that he typically performed a procedure known as 'staking' the fuel tanks before approximately 95% of his flights, but he did not check the fuel level prior to this flight. The pilot also indicated that both the fuel gauge and the clock in the aircraft were not functioning properly before the flight.
What happened in the 14 Apr 1989 Hiller UH-12D accident near Bolinas, CA?
During an external load operation, the helicopter's engine lost power, leading to an autorotation into a surf tidal pool and a hard landing. The pilot reported fuel exhaustion and stated he did not check fuel levels before the flight.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Apr 1989 involved a Hiller UH-12D, registration N14490, operated by Mountain Air Helicopter, at Bolinas, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING IN THAT HE DID NOT ACCURATELY ACCOUNT FOR THE FUEL ON BOARD THE AIRCRAFT AS A BASIS FOR FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS THEREBY CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STOP PRODUCING POWER BECAUSE OF A LACK OF FUEL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE INACCURATE FUEL GAUGE AND CLOCK IN THE AIRCRAFT…
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