Incident Details
A pilot planned a positioning flight of approximately 42 minutes. Departing with 33 gallons of fuel indicated, the pilot calculated sufficient fuel to reach the destination plus reserve. The helicopter lacks alternative fuel quantity checking methods beyond the cockpit gauge.
En route, the pilot observed the fuel gauge needle "sticking" and jumping from 14 gallons to 7 gallons, signaling less fuel than initially indicated. At that time, the helicopter was about 7 miles from the destination. The pilot decided to continue.
Approximately one minute later, the fuel boost pump caution light flickered. About 15 seconds after that, the engine "flamed out." During engine spool-down, the fuel gauge showed 6 or 7 gallons. The pilot performed an autorotation, deployed floats, and landed in shallow water.
Examination Findings
Post-incident examination revealed the forward boost pump was inoperative, and the switch for the forward boost pump caution light did not function. Approximately 6.5 to 7 gallons of fuel were drained from the tank.
According to the Bell 206B Pilot Operating Handbook (POH): "Due to possible fuel sloshing in unusual attitudes or out of trim conditions and one or both fuel boost pumps inoperative, the unusable fuel is 10 gallons." Although pilots can test both boost pumps pre-flight, the POH did not include a directive for such testing.
Operator Action
As a result, the operator inspected their remaining Bell 206B fleet, confirming that forward and aft fuel boost pumps and both fuel pressure switches operated as required. All systems functioned properly. Additionally, the Before Starting Engine checklist was revised to include a functional test of each fuel boost pump and caution light.