On July 30, 1994, a Bell 47G-2A (registration N6749D) operated by Joe Henderson was involved in an aviation accident near Scottsdale, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL APPROPRIATELY, THE ALTITUDE AND AIRSPEED AT THE TIME THE ENGINE STOPPAGE OCCURRED WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter experienced an engine failure while pulling up after an application run. The pilot performed an autorotation from 40 feet, but the aircraft landed hard and the main rotor struck the tail boom. Only about one quart of fuel remained.
Accident Overview
A helicopter pilot reported that while concluding an application run and in the process of pulling up and turning to the right, the engine briefly sputtered and then ceased operation. The aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 40 feet and an airspeed of 40 knots when the pilot initiated an autorotation.
Landing and Damage
During the autorotative landing, the aircraft touched down hard. The impact caused the main rotor blade to strike the tail boom, resulting in damage to the tail boom structure.
Fuel and Post-Accident Testing
A company mechanic inspected the aircraft after the accident and found that approximately one quart of fuel remained in the tank. Following recovery, the helicopter was refueled. The engine then started and operated normally on the first attempt.