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NTSB Report
May 31, 1988 · Bell 47G-2A · N440TG
Midland, MI
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 31, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Midland, MI
Aircraft
Bell 47G-2A
Tail Number
N440TG
Operator
Agri-Helicopter
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI88DEM05
THE PLT RPRTD THAT BEFORE TAKEOFF, HE CHECKED THE FUEL GAGE & CONCLUDED THERE WAS ENOUGH FUEL TO DISPENSE HIS LOAD. HOWEVER, AFTER SPRAYING OUT THE LOAD, HE STARTED TO RETURN TO THE LANDING SITE & THEN THE ENG LOST POWER FROM FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE HELICOPTER WAS OVER TREES & THE PLT HAD TO HOLD COLLECTIVE TO REACH A CLEARING. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE HELICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN HARD & THE SKIDS, TAIL BOOM, TAIL ROTOR & TAIL ROTOR GEAR BOX WERE DAMAGED.
Full Narrative
THE PLT RPRTD THAT BEFORE TAKEOFF, HE CHECKED THE FUEL GAGE & CONCLUDED THERE WAS ENOUGH FUEL TO DISPENSE HIS LOAD. HOWEVER, AFTER SPRAYING OUT THE LOAD, HE STARTED TO RETURN TO THE LANDING SITE & THEN THE ENG LOST POWER FROM FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE HELICOPTER WAS OVER TREES & THE PLT HAD TO HOLD COLLECTIVE TO REACH A CLEARING. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE HELICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN HARD & THE SKIDS, TAIL BOOM, TAIL ROTOR & TAIL ROTOR GEAR BOX WERE DAMAGED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-2A
Tail NumberN440TG
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAgri-Helicopter
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 8 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time12:46
Weather SourceWFAC