Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 369 near Franklin, PA — 2009-07-22

Final reportERA09FA414
Sign in to save
Date
2009-07-22
Location
Franklin, PA, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES 369
Registration
N61735
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's fuel mismanagement.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter was proceeding to a nearby landing location with an external load of seismic monitoring equipment. Several individuals on the ground heard the pilot talking on their communication frequency. Most of the communication was inaudible; however, several witnesses heard the pilot say that he was "going into the tree[s]." The helicopter was located in an open area near the edge of a tree line. The wreckage was confined within the immediate crash area, except for the external load; which was located 281 feet away in the wooded area. The helicopter had come to rest upright. The main rotor and tail rotor blades exhibited little damage to the leading edges. Approximately three drops of fuel was located throughout the helicopter's fuel system, and no fuel was located in or around the helicopter. No evidence of precrash mechanical failure of the helicopter structure, flight controls, systems, or engine were found.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to land with more fuel before attempting the flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents21

Related mishaps