On June 15, 1994, a Bell 47G2 (registration N4992G) was involved in an aviation accident near Baldwin, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadequate maintenance (inspection of aircraft) by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Related factors are the unsafetied fuel filter, and low altitude at which the helicopter operated. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
While en route for dual instruction at low altitude, a helicopter's engine sputtered and failed. The helicopter descended into a wooded area. Investigation revealed a loose fuel filter bowl and missing safety wire, with no usable fuel found.
Incident Overview
The helicopter was en route to the St. Louis area for dual instruction. Witnesses reported the helicopter operating at an estimated 200 feet above ground when the engine sputtered and then ceased operation entirely. The helicopter subsequently descended into a wooded area.
Post-Accident Investigation
Examination after the accident disclosed that the fuel filter bowl was loose and the fuel filter lock screw lacked a safety wire. No evidence of usable fuel was found in the helicopter or at the accident site.
Maintenance History
According to logbook records, the most recent maintenance was performed two weeks prior to the accident, with the helicopter having operated approximately 10 hours since then. The most recent annual inspection occurred eight months before the accident, and the helicopter had accumulated about 84 hours of operation since that inspection.