On February 10, 2013, a BELL 206B operated by SYCAN CORP DBA was involved in an aviation accident near Shandon, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to reopen the fuel selector valve after preflight drainage. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot performing agricultural spray operations lost engine power and executed a forced landing. The helicopter sustained substantial tailboom damage when main rotor blades struck the tailboom. Investigation revealed the fuel selector had been left off after preflight drainage.
Accident Description
A helicopter engaged in agricultural spraying operations experienced a loss of engine power while maneuvering for its first pass over a field. The pilot performed a forced landing to an open field. During the landing, the main rotor blades flexed downward and contacted the tailboom, resulting in substantial damage to the tailboom assembly.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that after landing, he discovered the fuel selector valve was in the off position. He stated that during the preflight inspection, he had turned the fuel selector valve to the off position in order to drain the fuel sump. However, he failed to reopen the valve after completing the preflight and prior to takeoff.
Probable cause
The pilot failed to reopen the fuel selector valve after preflight drainage.
What happened in the 10 Feb 2013 BELL 206B accident near Shandon, CA?
A pilot performing agricultural spray operations lost engine power and executed a forced landing. The helicopter sustained substantial tailboom damage when main rotor blades struck the tailboom. Investigation revealed the fuel selector had been left off after preflight drainage.
Were there any fatalities in the 10 Feb 2013 BELL 206B accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Feb 2013 involved a BELL 206B, operated by SYCAN CORP DBA, at Shandon, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot failed to reopen the fuel selector valve after preflight drainage.
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