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Helicopter Fuel Exhaustion During Post-Flight Operations (N9010C)

Elderon, WI, US

On July 22, 1993, a Bell 47G-3B-1 (registration N9010C) operated by Central Wisconsin Helicopter was involved in an aviation accident near Elderon, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter experienced an engine failure shortly after completing agricultural spraying operations. Investigation confirmed fuel exhaustion was the cause, as no usable fuel remained in the system despite the pilot's belief that sufficient fuel was available.

What happened

The pilot reported completing an agricultural spraying mission and departing the field at 7:30 PM. After checking a stop clock, he determined that adequate fuel remained on board. However, the engine quit at 7:37 PM.

The investigation

A postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of usable fuel in the aircraft's fuel system. To verify mechanical integrity, the engine was supplied with fresh fuel and operated normally during an engine runup, confirming that the failure was not due to a mechanical malfunction but rather a lack of fuel supply.

Findings

The primary factor contributing to this incident was fuel exhaustion. The pilot's assessment of remaining fuel based on elapsed time proved inaccurate. The engine itself functioned correctly when provided with fuel, indicating that the cessation of power was solely due to the depletion of the onboard fuel supply.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jul 1993 Bell 47G-3B-1 accident near Elderon, WI?

A helicopter experienced an engine failure shortly after completing agricultural spraying operations. Investigation confirmed fuel exhaustion was the cause, as no usable fuel remained in the system despite the pilot's belief that sufficient fuel was available.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jul 1993 involved a Bell 47G-3B-1, registration N9010C, operated by Central Wisconsin Helicopter, at Elderon, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12854. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.