On November 2, 1989, a Bell 206L-3 (registration N3174S) operated by Air Methods, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Saint Paul, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion leading to engine power loss. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An EMS helicopter experienced fuel exhaustion after the pilot encountered stronger headwinds than expected and chose not to refuel. The engine lost power during approach, leading to a night autorotation that damaged the aircraft.
Incident Overview
An emergency medical service (EMS) helicopter was conducting a flight to deliver a patient. The pilot encountered stronger headwinds than anticipated during the mission. After the patient was delivered, the pilot estimated that 12 minutes of fuel remained. Since the return flight to the home base was expected to take approximately six minutes, the pilot elected to proceed without refueling.
Sequence of Events
During the return flight, as the helicopter arrived abeam of the destination, a fuel boost pump warning light illuminated. The pilot stated that he expedited the approach. At an altitude of about 50 feet above ground level (AGL), a second fuel boost pump light illuminated. The engine subsequently lost power due to fuel exhaustion.
Aftermath
The helicopter was damaged during an emergency autorotation that was performed at night.