Incident Details
According to the pilot, while flying 10 miles from Cloquet Carlton County Airport, a low fuel pressure warning activated. The pilot stated he knew of a field five miles away suitable for landing and maneuvered the helicopter toward that location. While over the predetermined field at approximately 300 feet above ground level, the engine lost total power, prompting the pilot to begin an autorotation.
Landing Sequence
The pilot reported performing a run-on landing to avoid two reflecting posts, which he did not see until near the ground due to low light conditions. The helicopter came to rest in an upright attitude.
Fuel Status
The pilot stated that he departed Crystal Airport at 1905 with 35 gallons of fuel. According to the Chief Pilot of the Minneapolis State Police, the helicopter's fuel burn rate was 25 gallons per hour. The pilot indicated that the typical flight time from Crystal Airport to Cloquet Carlton County Airport ranges from 1.2 to 1.5 hours. In a telephone conversation with the investigator-in-charge, the pilot indicated that the helicopter ran out of fuel during the accident flight.