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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

July 27, 1991 · Hiller UH-12B · N62246

Westfield, MA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 27, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Westfield, MA
Aircraft
Hiller UH-12B
Tail Number
N62246
Operator
James T Kilbridge
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC91LA189

THE PILOT CALCULATED HE HAD OVER 2 HOURS OF FUEL FOR THE FINAL LEG OF THE FLIGHT. HE FOUND HE WAS OFF COURSE TO THE WEST, SO HE LANDED THE HELICOPTER TO FIND HIS POSITION, WITHOUT SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE. HE TOOK OFF HEADING EAST AND HAD TO LAND AGAIN TO GET HIS POSITION, THIS TIME SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF. HE WAS 5 MILES SOUTH OF HIS INTENDED LANDING AIRPORT. THE PILOT SAID AT THIS POINT HE HAD ABOUT 4 GALLONS OF FUEL. WHILE ON APPROACH TO THE AIRPORT THE ENGINE FAILED AND HE MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A CEMETERY. HE LANDED SHORT OF HIS INTENDED LANDING AREA AND IMPACTED WITH A HEAD STONE.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL RESULTING IN A POWER FAILURE DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION, AND SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT CALCULATED HE HAD OVER 2 HOURS OF FUEL FOR THE FINAL LEG OF THE FLIGHT. HE FOUND HE WAS OFF COURSE TO THE WEST, SO HE LANDED THE HELICOPTER TO FIND HIS POSITION, WITHOUT SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE. HE TOOK OFF HEADING EAST AND HAD TO LAND AGAIN TO GET HIS POSITION, THIS TIME SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF. HE WAS 5 MILES SOUTH OF HIS INTENDED LANDING AIRPORT. THE PILOT SAID AT THIS POINT HE HAD ABOUT 4 GALLONS OF FUEL. WHILE ON APPROACH TO THE AIRPORT THE ENGINE FAILED AND HE MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A CEMETERY. HE LANDED SHORT OF HIS INTENDED LANDING AREA AND IMPACTED WITH A HEAD STONE.

Flight

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

Aircraft

AircraftHiller UH-12B
Tail NumberN62246
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames T Kilbridge
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6V-335 · Reciprocating · 210
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 41 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data