Accident Details
On January 22, 2012, at approximately 1540 central standard time, a Bell 206B helicopter, registration N555NB, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at the Las Colinas Golf Course in Irving, Texas. The aircraft was operated by Longhorn Helicopters Inc. under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 without a flight plan. The flight originated from Waco, Texas, at 1500 and was en route to the Las Colinas Four Seasons Resort in Irving.
Sequence of Events
During the landing sequence to the resort, the fuel light illuminated and the engine subsequently lost power. The pilot executed an autorotation to flat terrain at the golf course. The helicopter impacted level terrain and came to rest approximately ten feet from the initial impact point. The tail stinger struck the ground, bending the vertical fin, and the tail boom bent near the airframe mount.
Examination Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector conducted an on-scene examination of the fuel system. No evidence of fuel was found, and the fuel gauge indicated empty. Inspection of the engine compartment revealed no anomalies. The helicopter was moved from the golf course, and the fuel system was sumped. Less than half a gallon of fuel was recovered, with no signs of contamination. Examination of the remaining systems revealed no anomalies.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported departing with 35 gallons of fuel and estimated he would have 25 minutes of fuel remaining upon arrival at the destination. He stated that he mismanaged his fuel and that the tailwind component was less than forecast.