On September 25, 2004, a Bell 206B3 (registration N96PH) was involved in an aviation accident near Starkville, MS. No fatalities were reported. 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.
What happened in the 25 Sept 2004 Bell 206B3 accident near Starkville, MS?
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.
Were there any fatalities in the 25 Sept 2004 Bell 206B3 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Sept 2004 involved a Bell 206B3, registration N96PH, at Starkville, MS.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
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.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…