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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Engine Power Loss Following Low-Fuel Spray Run (N8494E)

Idaho Falls, ID, US

On July 14, 1997, a Bell 47G-3B (registration N8494E) operated by Wood, Milton, H. was involved in an aviation accident near Idaho Falls, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot mismanaged his fuel supply which led to fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power. Factors contributing to the accident were the lack of adequate altitude and airspeed to successfully execute an 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Bell 47G-3B helicopter lost engine power at low altitude while returning from a spray run due to fuel exhaustion. The aircraft was on the boundary of the autorotation envelope.

Occurrence

The pilot of a helicopter reported that during the final spray pass over a potato field, he noticed a low fuel state and initiated a return flight toward his refueling truck. While at an altitude of 10 to 15 feet above ground level and an airspeed of approximately 25 knots, the engine lost power. The pilot stated, "when it quit I did not have the time to do any auto(rotation). It stopped and I hit the ground."

Investigation Findings

An FAA inspector examined the aircraft following the accident and confirmed the absence of fuel on board. Analysis of the height-velocity diagram for the Bell 47G-3B indicates that, at the reported altitude and airspeed at the time of power loss, the helicopter was positioned on the boundary of the envelope required for a successful autorotation.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jul 1997 Bell 47G-3B accident near Idaho Falls, ID?

A Bell 47G-3B helicopter lost engine power at low altitude while returning from a spray run due to fuel exhaustion. The aircraft was on the boundary of the autorotation envelope.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jul 1997 involved a Bell 47G-3B, registration N8494E, operated by Wood, Milton, H., at Idaho Falls, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot mismanaged his fuel supply which led to fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power. Factors contributing to the accident were the lack of adequate altitude and airspeed to successfully execute an autorotation.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08510. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.