Accident Overview
A helicopter experienced a loss of engine power and subsequently crashed in a field. The investigation determined that the engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter or its engine during the flight.
Preflight and Fuel Check
Before departure, the pilot performed a preflight inspection and checked the fuel quantity. The fuel level in the tank was approximately one inch below the filler cap. The helicopter has a usable fuel capacity of 28 gallons, and the engine consumes about 16 gallons per hour, providing an estimated flight time of 105 minutes on a full tank.
Flight Operations
The pilot departed the operator's facility at approximately 0525. Over the next 99 minutes, the pilot sprayed 14 loads on various fields, with each load taking about six minutes. At about 0720, while flying to the next job, the engine lost power. At that moment, the fuel gauges indicated approximately 1/4 full, and the pilot believed there was 10 to 15 minutes of fuel remaining.
Response to Power Loss
When the engine lost power, the pilot lowered the collective and turned the helicopter into the wind before it impacted the ground.
Operator's Comments
The operator stated that with the fuel level one inch below the cap at the start, fuel exhaustion was inevitable given the flight duration. The pilot had been instructed to refuel every hour or after every 10 loads.