Pilot Debrief

Bell 206 near WALKERTON, IN — 2019-09-09

Final reportCEN19LA309
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Date
2019-09-09
Location
WALKERTON, IN, USA
Aircraft
Bell 206
Registration
N19TV
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.

NTSB narrative

While performing an aerial application flight, the helicopter experienced a partial loss of engine power when the pilot advanced engine power to reverse course. The helicopter was substantially damaged during the forced landing when it contacted trees and landed hard. A postaccident examination of the helicopter’s engine found evidence of fuel contamination due to water and a non-ferrous material in the engine driven fuel pump/filter, fuel control unit, and fuel nozzle. The fuel control unit operated outside of acceptable limits during postaccident testing. The airframe was stored outside and subjected to the elements after the accident; however, the location of the water and debris in the engine were in areas where contamination from the elements cannot normally collect. It could not be determined when the contamination occurred or whether it originated within the company’s fuel truck tank or within the helicopter’s fuel tank.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel quality before flight to prevent contamination issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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