Accident Details
On September 24, 2015, at approximately 1040 central daylight time, a Bell 206B helicopter, registration N648CA, lost engine power during an aerial application flight near Woodville, Texas. The helicopter was operated by Chem-Air LLC under 14 CFR Part 137. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Flight Sequence
The pilot had been conducting aerial application operations since 0630. The helicopter was loaded with 80 gallons of herbicide and about 20 gallons of fuel. After departing from the company support truck at about 1035, the pilot initiated a climbing right turn when the engine power was lost. The helicopter was above tall pine trees, which the pilot avoided before lowering the nose to regain rotor rpm. Unable to attain sufficient altitude, the helicopter impacted terrain and came to rest on its right side. Substantial damage occurred to the fuselage, tailboom, and rotor blades.
Post-Accident Examination
On October 6, 2015, an FAA inspector, along with representatives from Bell Helicopter and Rolls Royce, examined the wreckage. Damage to the airframe, drive system, rotors, and flight controls was consistent with impact forces. No pre-impact anomalies were identified in any systems, and there was no evidence of mechanical engine failure.
Fuel System Testing
Water detection testing was conducted on the helicopter's fuel system using Kolor Kut paste. Water was found in the fuel tank, airframe fuel filter, engine fuel filter, and the fuel spray nozzle supply line. The airframe fuel filter contained mostly orange-brown water with a small amount of fuel. The engine fuel filter contained mostly clear water with fuel droplets. The fuel spray nozzle supply line contained a mixture of about one-third fuel and two-thirds water. The support fuel truck was also tested; no water was found at the pump sump, but water was present in the fuel filter sump and the fuel nozzle.