On March 3, 1990, a Bell 47G (registration N4837) was involved in an aviation accident near Miami, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter pilot planned a sightseeing flight with an estimated 8 gallons of fuel on board. The engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion about 12 minutes after takeoff.
What happened
The pilot of the helicopter planned a sightseeing flight and estimated he had 8 gallons of fuel on board. The engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion about 12 minutes after takeoff. As the pilot attempted to stretch the glide to a clearing to avoid trees, the rotor RPM decayed and a hard landing occurred.
The investigation
The investigation revealed that the helicopter had insufficient fuel for the planned flight. The pilot's estimate of the fuel quantity was incorrect, leading to the engine losing power due to fuel exhaustion.
Findings
The findings indicated that the pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the sightseeing flight contributed to the accident. The hard landing resulted from the rotor RPM decay as the pilot attempted to glide to a clearing.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power.
What happened in the 3 Mar 1990 Bell 47G accident near Miami, FL?
A helicopter pilot planned a sightseeing flight with an estimated 8 gallons of fuel on board. The engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion about 12 minutes after takeoff.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Mar 1990 involved a Bell 47G, registration N4837, at Miami, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power.
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