Pilot Debrief

VERTICAL AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES 260L HUMMINGBIRD near Harrisville, NY — 2018-01-28

Final reportERA18TA076
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Date
2018-01-28
Location
Harrisville, NY, USA
Aircraft
VERTICAL AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES 260L HUMMINGBIRD
Registration
N4045
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The failure of an electric fuel pump, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power during cruise flight.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was conducting a cross-country flight in an experimental amateur-built helicopter that was equipped with an automobile engine. When the airplane was about 6 miles from the destination and at a cruise altitude of 500 ft above ground level, the engine sputtered once and then lost all power. The pilot performed an autorotation into a low-lying valley with short trees. During the landing, the main and tail rotors contacted the trees, resulting in substantial damage. Postaccident testing revealed that one of the two electric fuel pumps did not operate when direct current was applied to it, indicating that the pump had failed during flight. According to the manufacturer, both fuel pumps are to be used for takeoff and landing, but only one fuel pump is necessary during cruise flight. The pilot was using one fuel pump during cruise flight, and the fuel pump that failed was likely the one in use at the time. The fuel pump failure resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent total loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have kept both fuel pumps on for safety during cruise flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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