Pilot Debrief

BELL 206B near Woodville, TX — 2015-09-24

Final reportCEN15LA423
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Date
2015-09-24
Location
Woodville, TX, USA
Aircraft
BELL 206B
Registration
N648CA
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel system. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the fuel tanks and the operator’s inadequate inspection of the fuel supply truck that did not detect water contamination.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the helicopter was filled with 80 gallons of herbicide and about 20 gallons of fuel before departure. He then departed from the support fuel truck and made a climbing right turn, during which the engine lost power. The pilot lowered the helicopter's nose in an attempt to regain rotor rpm; however, the helicopter did not have sufficient altitude to regain rotor rpm, and it subsequently impacted terrain. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed water contamination throughout the fuel system. Fuel samples taken from the support fuel truck also contained water contamination. The loss of engine power is consistent with water contamination in the fuel system.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel for contamination before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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