On July 24, 1996, a Hiller UH-12E (registration N9743C) was involved in an aviation accident near Mount Holly, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to refuel the helicopter. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter made a forced landing in a wooded area after losing engine power. The pilot had added 20 gallons of fuel the day before, but the helicopter had not been refueled during seven loads. No fuel was found at the site.
Forced Landing Following Engine Power Loss
The helicopter came to rest on its side in a heavily wooded area during a forced landing after a loss of engine power. The pilot had put 20 gallons of fuel into the helicopter the day prior to the accident. The helicopter was on its seventh load at the time of the crash and had not been refueled during that period.
Fuel Capacity and Consumption
The helicopter's fuel tank holds 46 gallons of fuel. According to the operator, the engine uses approximately 28 gallons per hour during some agricultural operation maneuvers. Examination of the accident site and the helicopter revealed no evidence of fuel.
Accident Site and Examination
The helicopter came to rest on its side in a heavily wooded area. Investigators examined the site and the aircraft but found no traces of fuel.