Accident Overview
A helicopter lost engine power while conducting an aerial application operation. The flight was part of a series of missions involving the dispersal of chemicals.
Flight Details
According to a GPS log from the helicopter’s flight data, provided by the operator, the aircraft was refueled with 35 gallons at 1002. The pilot subsequently completed three flights before beginning a fourth. At approximately 1110, prior to the fourth flight with a load of chemicals, the pilot was asked if he required additional fuel. He declined, stating he had sufficient fuel for one more load.
Pilot Statements
In a written record of a telephonic interview with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot noted that the helicopter’s fuel gauges were not reliable. He stated, “The fuel gauges are not real reliable so they pump a known quantity and go by time. There are no low fuel lights on the aircraft.” This practice relied on timing and known fuel quantities rather than gauge readings.
Wreckage Examination
Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel tank contained no fuel. There was no evidence of impact damage to the fuel tank, and no fuel was recovered from any fuel lines. The absence of fuel suggests the engine power loss was due to fuel exhaustion.