On June 23, 2000, an Enstrom 280 FX (registration N383MA) was involved in an aviation accident near Springdale, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight of the helicopter, and his subsequent failure to monitor his fuel supply, which resulted in a power loss due to fuel exhaustion, over unsuitable terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter conducting aerial observation lost engine power; pilot performed run-on landing but helicopter rolled over due to skid digging in. Investigation found empty fuel tank and inaccurate fuel gauge.
Accident Details
A helicopter engaged in an aerial observation flight of vehicle traffic was operating at approximately 500 feet above ground level when the engine experienced a miss and subsequently lost power. The pilot executed a run-on landing along the edge of a road, adjacent to a median. During the landing, one skid contacted the asphalt surface while the other skid settled on grass and dirt. The skid on the softer terrain dug in, causing the helicopter to rotate 90 degrees and roll onto its side.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the helicopter after the accident revealed that the fuel tank contained no fuel. The fuel cap was securely in place, and there was no evidence of fuel leakage. Investigators added fuel to the tank and observed that the fuel gauge consistently indicated a quantity less than the actual amount of fuel onboard.
Pilot Statements
The pilot initially told the National Transportation Safety Board that he had checked the fuel level prior to departure. However, in subsequent interviews with the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot reported that he had not checked the fuel tanks before departure and had not monitored the fuel gauge during the flight.