On August 15, 1989, a Bell 47G-B3 (registration N8471E) was involved in an aviation accident near Waseca, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT BY THE PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO AN INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FUEL. THE TAILWIND, HIGH OBSTRUCTION (POWER LINE), AND CROP (BEANS) WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter lost engine power during a return flight after aerial application at about 100 ft AGL with a tailwind. The pilot autorotated in a bean field, maneuvering to avoid a power line. Post-accident investigation revealed the fuel tank was empty.
Accident Details
A helicopter experienced a loss of engine power during a return flight to the nurse truck after completing an aerial application. The pilot estimated that the helicopter was at an altitude of approximately 100 feet above ground level (AGL) with a tailwind at the time of the power loss.
Flight and Autorotation
With insufficient altitude to turn into the wind, the pilot performed an autorotation with a tailwind over a bean field. During the maneuver, the pilot focused on avoiding a power line. As the helicopter touched down, it rocked forward, and the main rotor blades severed the tail boom when the pilot applied aft cyclic.
Post-Accident Investigation
A post-accident investigation revealed that the fuel tank was empty.
What happened in the 15 Aug 1989 Bell 47G-B3 accident near Waseca, MN?
A helicopter lost engine power during a return flight after aerial application at about 100 ft AGL with a tailwind. The pilot autorotated in a bean field, maneuvering to avoid a power line. Post-accident investigation revealed the fuel tank was empty.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Aug 1989 involved a Bell 47G-B3, registration N8471E, at Waseca, MN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT BY THE PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO AN INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FUEL. THE TAILWIND, HIGH OBSTRUCTION (POWER LINE), AND CROP (BEANS) WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.
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