Pilot Debrief

BELL 47G-2 near Charles City, IA — 2011-08-02

Final reportCEN11CA540
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Date
2011-08-02
Location
Charles City, IA, USA
Aircraft
BELL 47G-2
Registration
N4771N
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to refuel the helicopter which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The operator reported that prior to the accident flight the pilot was distracted during a refueling operation. The distraction involved ground personnel entering the helicopter cabin after landing to discuss the next spraying operation with the pilot. After the conversation, the pilot departed without refueling the helicopter. While completing an aerial application, the engine experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot initiated an autorotation, during which the helicopter impacted terrain. A postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed the tail boom was partially separated and the landing gear skids were bent. The operator reported that approximately 3.5 quarts of fuel were drained from the fuel tanks, and 2 gallons of fuel were considered unusable.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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