Accident Overview
On September 7, 2010, at approximately 0700 Pacific daylight time, an Aerospatiale SA315B helicopter, registration N17285, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff near Winters, California. The helicopter was operated by Precision Helicopter under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 for agricultural operations. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The helicopter sustained substantial damage during the hard landing; the tail boom was separated. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the local crop dusting operation, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was departing from a private helipad.
Pilot Statement
The pilot informed National Transportation Safety Board investigators that the hopper was full of a water-based fertilizer. He reported a possible issue with the fuel pump and noted a low fuel situation. Shortly after liftoff, at approximately 200 feet above ground level, the engine decelerated to an idle power setting. The pilot performed an autorotation, but due to the altitude, the helicopter landed hard. During the impact, the landing gear skids spread, and the main rotor blades struck the tail boom, severing it.
In a separate interview with a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness inspector, the pilot stated that he began flying the accident helicopter at 0530 that morning. At that time, the helicopter was fueled with 30 gallons of fuel, bringing the total to slightly less than 90 gallons. The fuel tank was sumped to check for water, with none identified.
Post-Accident Examination
The fuel pump and fuel governor were removed and sent to Turbomeca in France, where they were examined under the supervision of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (BEA) of France. Both units underwent operational bench testing and performed within normal parameters. Further examination revealed non-metallic particles within the filter; however, their presence was not considered a concern. Internal examination of both units found no additional anomalies.
An examination of the remaining engine and airframe systems revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions.