Event Details
A pilot reported that after landing and during loading for a subsequent chemical agricultural application flight with the engine running, he exited the helicopter to speak to the property owner. The pilot could not recall whether he instructed the ground crewman to refuel the helicopter. Prior to takeoff, the pilot failed to check the fuel level and was unaware that the ground crewman had not refueled the helicopter.
Sequence of Events
After takeoff, the helicopter completed only one spray pass before the engine lost power. The pilot opined that he "just ran out of fuel." Unable to return to the loading area, the pilot landed in a grove of trees. The landing resulted in substantial damage to the helicopter.
Contributing Factors
The pilot mentioned that approaching rain caused him to hurry to complete the spraying before the rain arrived. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter or engine that would have precluded normal operation.