On September 25, 2004, a Bell 206B3 (registration N96PH) was involved in an aviation accident near Starkville, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The operator's inadequate maintenance inspections and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in the helicopter being operated with a contaminated fuel system, that resulted in fuel starvation, and the loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter lost engine power at low altitude, prompting an autorotative landing. Postcrash examination revealed fuel contaminated with water, particulate matter, and microbiological growth in the filter and tank.
Accident Narrative
A pilot reported that while en route at an altitude of about 100 feet above ground level (AGL), the low engine rpm light illuminated and an audible alarm sounded as the engine ceased operating. The pilot immediately lowered the collective and raised the helicopter's nose to regain rotor rpm, then performed a hard autorotative landing to a clearing.
Postcrash Examination
An FAA inspector who responded to the accident scene examined the helicopter and found fuel in the fuel tank. Further inspection revealed that the fuel filter contained "50 percent dark colored water and trash." The inspector also found dark water in the fuel pump filter and the fuel tank. Additionally, the fuel control filter and fuel nozzle filter were partially clogged.
Laboratory Analysis
Laboratory analysis of fuel samples from the accident helicopter confirmed the presence of particulate matter and water. According to the laboratory report, the particulate matter was identified as microbiological growth that was resident in the fuel.