Pilot Debrief

BELL 206B near Shandon, CA — 2013-02-10

Final reportWPR13CA120
Sign in to save
Date
2013-02-10
Location
Shandon, CA, USA
Aircraft
BELL 206B
Registration
N802KA
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he intended to spray an agricultural field and was maneuvering in preparation for the first pass when the helicopter lost engine power. The pilot subsequently accomplished a forced landing to an open field. During the landing sequence, the helicopter’s main rotor blades flexed down and made contact with the tailboom, which resulted in substantial damage to the tailboom assembly. The pilot reported that after the landing he discovered the fuel selector valve in the off position. He reported that he had turned the fuel selector valve to the off position to drain the fuel sump during the preflight; however, he failed to re-open the valve after the preflight and prior to takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

Related mishaps