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NTSB Report
August 5, 1989 · Bell 47G-2 · N3550
Sarasota, FL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 5, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sarasota, FL
Aircraft
Bell 47G-2
Tail Number
N3550
Operator
Dolphin Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA89LA213
THE STUDENT PLT OBSERVED THAT HE HAD LESS THAN FULL FUEL DURING HIS PREFLT INSPN; HOWEVER, HE THOUGHT HE WOULD HAVE ENOUGH FUEL FOR HIS INTENDED SOLO X-COUNTRY FLT. NEARING THE END OF HIS ROUND ROBIN FLT (ABOUT 1 MI FROM HIS HOME BASE), THE ENG LOST POWER. THE STUDENT MADE AN AUTOROTATION, BUT THE HELICOPTER HIT A TREE DURING THE LANDING.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE STUDENT PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO AN INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FUEL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE STUDENT PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE & TREE(S) IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA.
Full Narrative
THE STUDENT PLT OBSERVED THAT HE HAD LESS THAN FULL FUEL DURING HIS PREFLT INSPN; HOWEVER, HE THOUGHT HE WOULD HAVE ENOUGH FUEL FOR HIS INTENDED SOLO X-COUNTRY FLT. NEARING THE END OF HIS ROUND ROBIN FLT (ABOUT 1 MI FROM HIS HOME BASE), THE ENG LOST POWER. THE STUDENT MADE AN AUTOROTATION, BUT THE HELICOPTER HIT A TREE DURING THE LANDING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-2
Tail NumberN3550
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDolphin Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-A1D · Reciprocating · 200
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time17:50
Weather SourceWFAC