On May 7, 1991, a Bell 47G3B1 (registration N304JD) operated by Sundown Helicopters, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Yuma, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO PERFORM FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS WHICH RESULTED IN A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. 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.
A Bell 47G3B1 helicopter lost power and collided with trees in an orchard after completing aerial spraying. The pilot autorotated into the trees. Post-accident inspection found less than one gallon of fuel remaining.
Accident Overview
A Bell 47G3B1 helicopter experienced a loss of power and collided with trees in an orchard. The helicopter had just completed aerial spraying of 60 acres of citrus trees. At the end of the last pass, the engine quit at tree-top level. The pilot performed an autorotation, guiding the helicopter into the trees.
Flight Details
The flight duration was approximately one hour and 45 minutes. The operator reported that the helicopter contained 25 gallons of fuel at the time of the last takeoff.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, the operator examined the helicopter's fuel system. According to the operator, less than one gallon of fuel was drained from the entire fuel system. The operator also reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter before the accident.