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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

April 26, 1996 · Bell 206B · N111PM

Logan, WV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 26, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Logan, WV
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N111PM
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD96LA067

The pilot reported that the helicopter was in cruise flight at 600 feet above ground level when the engine lost power. He entered an autorotational descent, but was forced to try to extend the glide because of rough, downhill sloping terrain. The rotor RPM decayed, and at touchdown the main rotor flexed down and severed the tail boom. Postaccident inspection revealed '...less than (1) one quart [of fuel] available in fuel cell.' The pilot reported that he had exhausted the helicopter's fuel supply.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate fuel supply for the flight which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and the loss of rotor rpm during the autorotation. The downhill sloping terrain was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On April 26, 1996, at 0945 eastern daylight time (EDT), a Bell 206B helicopter, N111PM, sustained substantial damage following a forced landing near Logan, West Virginia. The pilot and the two passengers reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, no flight plan was filed. The business flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91, and originated in Huntington, West Virginia, at 0815 EDT. The intended destination was Rita, West Virginia. The pilot told the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspectors that he was in cruise flight at 600 feet above ground level (AGL), when the helicopter engine lost power. He reported that he initiated an autorotational descent. The pilot stated that, due to rough and sloping terrain, he was forced to extend his glide to landing. The pilot stated: "Due to low rotor rpm, the main rotor flexed on touchdown and severed the rear portion of tailboom." The FAA Inspector's report stated: "Interview with [the] pilot revealed [that the] engine flameout occurred due to fuel exhaustion. Pilot admitted to having inadequate fuel on board. Aircraft was approximately 2 minutes from intended fuel stop. Pilot stated [that he had] no recollection [of] low fuel warning/alert." Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed less than 1 quart of fuel in the fuel cell. FAA Inspectors stated that the helicopter's fuel quantity and low fuel warning systems appeared to be capable of normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN111PM
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20 · Turboshaft · 400
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 6 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time12:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data