On February 24, 1994, a Bell 47G-3B-1 (registration N73909) operated by Pacific Air Research, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Gold Hill, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: SEPARATION OF THE CROSSOVER FUEL LINE, AND THE INABILITY OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO MAINTAIN A PROPER RATE OF DESCENT DURING THE AUTOROTATION. 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.
While spraying herbicide, a helicopter experienced a power loss and subsequent total power failure. The pilot attempted a landing in a clearing but descended vertically about 75 feet before a hard landing. Examination revealed a separated fuel line crossover 'T' fitting weld.
Incident Overview
A helicopter engaged in herbicide spraying operations began losing power. The pilot initiated a landing attempt in a clearing, during which a total power loss occurred. The aircraft then descended vertically for approximately 75 feet before landing hard.
Post-Crash Examination
Following the hard landing, a post-crash examination was conducted. The inspection revealed that the fuel line crossover 'T' fitting had separated at its weld. This fitting is responsible for routing fuel from the fuel tanks to the gascolator and engine.
Technical Details
The fuel line crossover 'T' fitting is a component that directs fuel flow from the tanks through the gascolator to the engine. The separation at the weld likely resulted in fuel starvation, leading to the loss of engine power.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…