Accident Overview
A commercial pilot was returning to the airport in a helicopter. The pilot reported being aware that fuel was low but believed sufficient remained for the return because the low fuel light had not illuminated. While descending on approach at approximately 400 feet above the runway, the helicopter experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot executed an autorotation, flared the aircraft about five feet above the ground, and settled onto the runway edge. Upon touchdown, the left skid assembly failed, and the helicopter rolled onto its left side.
Witness Account
A witness who held a pilot certificate observed the helicopter entering an autorotation toward the runway. From the witness's perspective, the helicopter was still about 50 feet above the runway when the accident pilot flared. The rotor rpm then decayed rapidly. The witness described the landing as hard on the left skid, which subsequently collapsed, followed by the helicopter rolling over onto its left side.
Post-Accident Inspection
An FAA inspector examined the helicopter after the event. The fuel quantity indicator displayed a reading of zero. The low fuel indicator light was not illuminated during the initial inspection; however, when the press-to-test feature on that warning light was activated, the light functioned properly. The inspector also checked the helicopter's fuel cell and found approximately one pint of fuel remaining.
Aircraft Information
The helicopter involved was manufactured by McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) as a Model 500D. The Pilot Operating Handbook for this model includes an Emergency and Malfunctions Procedures section with a caution statement: "Never use the FUEL LEVEL LOW light as a working indication of fuel quantity." This caution emphasizes that the low fuel light should not be relied upon for normal fuel status assessment.