Accident Overview
A helicopter involved in an aerial application flight experienced a complete loss of engine power while maneuvering in a slow left turn near a field. The pilot, who had checked the fuel gauges and personal timer before departure, believed there was sufficient fuel for the short flight. After the power loss, the pilot maneuvered to avoid trees and executed a hard forced landing in an adjacent field.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained serious injuries in the accident. The helicopter's fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Investigation Findings
An examination by a representative of the helicopter's operator revealed that the fuel tanks and fuel lines contained no fuel. The loss of engine power was consistent with fuel exhaustion.