What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-12-17 involved a Hiller UH-12E, registration N893FW, at Wenatchee, WA.

Game Survey Flight Suffers Fuel Exhaustion Near Wenatchee (N893FW)

On December 17, 1998, a Hiller UH-12E (registration N893FW) was involved in an aviation accident near Wenatchee, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot stated he had sustained fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A game survey flight experienced engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion near Wenatchee, Washington, after weather prevented a planned refueling stop. The pilot performed an autorotation landing northwest of Wenatchee.

Overview

A game survey flight encountered a loss of engine power and executed an autorotation landing about one mile northwest of Wenatchee, Washington. The pilot had departed Wenatchee approximately 2.5 hours prior to the accident.

Flight Details

The pilot had planned to land at Brewster, Washington, where a truck was positioned to refuel the aircraft during the survey mission. However, weather conditions at the refueling site precluded landing, prompting the pilot to decide to return to Wenatchee.

Loss of Power

While en route, the pilot noted a low fuel-pressure light illuminating immediately before the engine lost power. He then performed an autorotation to a landing area northwest of Wenatchee.

Pilot Statement

Following the event, the pilot stated to FAA inspectors that he had sustained fuel exhaustion.

Probable cause

The pilot stated he had sustained fuel exhaustion.

1998-12-17: Hiller UH-12E (N893FW) — Wenatchee, WA