On August 11, 2009, a BELL 47G-2A operated by Paul Ekoniak was involved in an aviation accident near Covert, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of blocked fuel vents. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter suffered a loss of engine power approximately two hours after takeoff. During autorotation to a field, the tail rotor struck a wooden post, resulting in substantial tail boom damage. Inspection revealed blocked fuel vents and a loose fuel fitting.
Accident Details
The pilot topped off the fuel tanks before takeoff. Approximately two hours into the flight, a loss of engine power occurred. The pilot performed an autorotation to a field for an emergency landing. During the landing, the tail rotor contacted a 4x4 wooden post, which resulted in substantial damage to the tail boom.
Post-Accident Inspection
Inspection of the helicopter revealed that the left fuel tank was empty and the right fuel tank was full. Examination of the fuel system showed that the right fuel tank vent was completely blocked by mud dauber debris, along with the remains of two mud daubers. The left fuel tank vent was partially blocked by mud dauber debris. Both fuel tanks feed into a central line that supplies fuel to the engine. Additionally, the nut on the T-fitting from the left tank fuel line was found to be finger tight.
What happened in the 11 Aug 2009 BELL 47G-2A accident near Covert, MI?
A helicopter suffered a loss of engine power approximately two hours after takeoff. During autorotation to a field, the tail rotor struck a wooden post, resulting in substantial tail boom damage. Inspection revealed blocked fuel vents and a loose fuel fitting.
Were there any fatalities in the 11 Aug 2009 BELL 47G-2A accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Aug 2009 involved a BELL 47G-2A, operated by Paul Ekoniak, at Covert, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of blocked fuel vents.
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