Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that while flying at approximately 70–80 feet above ground level (AGL) and spraying an insecticide over a residential area, the audible engine-out warning sounded, and the engine lost power. The pilot turned the helicopter to the right and extended the glide to clear obstructions, landing in a field. The helicopter landed hard, partially collapsing the landing skids, and the main rotor blades struck and severed the tailboom.
Post-Accident Findings
Post-accident investigation at the accident site revealed that the fuel gauges were indicating empty and that the fuel level low light was illuminated at that time. The pilot reported he did not see a light prior to the loss of engine power. The helicopter was recovered and moved to a facility for inspection of the fuel system. Tests found that the fuel-sending unit indicated more fuel on the fuel gauge than was actually on board. Additionally, the low fuel warning light did not illuminate every time. The total fuel quantity drained from the fuel tank after the accident was approximately two pints.
The pilot reported that the company's fuel truck does not have a metering system and that the fuelers estimate the fuel quantity added by using a timed fuel burst. They are also supposed to verify that the aircraft's fuel gauge moves when fuel is added.