Incident Details
A helicopter experienced a loss of engine power approximately four minutes after departing from an airport where it had stopped for fuel. The pilot executed an emergency landing in wooded terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. Neither the pilot nor the passenger was injured.
Refueling Sequence
The pilot reported that the helicopter landed at the airport to refuel and intended to conduct a quick turnaround. The passenger entered the fueling facility and requested fuel, though the exact type of fuel requested was disputed. The pilot stated that he was handed an unmarked nozzle and proceeded to refuel the helicopter. He questioned the line service personnel about the different size nozzle and rapid fuel flow rate, to which the line service person responded, "that is what is required." The pilot did not take any fuel samples after refueling.
At the time of the refueling, the fuel tank area at the airport was under construction. The 100 low lead fuel tanks were placarded, but the Jet A fuel tanks were new and their placards were not yet available for display.
Post-Accident Findings
Following the emergency landing, fuel samples were taken from the helicopter's fuel tank and tested. The tests revealed that the fuel was Jet A, not the required 100 low lead fuel. The helicopter's engine lost power shortly after takeoff, consistent with the use of the incorrect fuel type.