Pilot Debrief

BELL 206B near Irving, TX — 2012-01-22

Final reportCEN12LA141
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Date
2012-01-22
Location
Irving, TX, USA
Aircraft
BELL 206B
Registration
N555NB
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s inadequate fuel planning.

NTSB narrative

During the landing sequence to the landing zone, the helicopter’s fuel light illuminated and the engine lost power. The pilot performed an autorotation to flat terrain at a golf course. During the forced landing, the helicopter impacted the level terrain and came to rest about 10 feet from the initial impact point. An on-scene examination of the fuel system revealed no evidence of fuel and the fuel gauge read empty. Less than a half gallon of fuel was recovered and there was no evidence of fuel contamination. An examination of the remaining systems revealed no anomalies. The pilot stated that he mismanaged his fuel and that the tailwind component was less than forecast.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before descent to avoid forced landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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