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NTSB Report
August 30, 1984 · Hughes 269A · N48930
Apple Springs, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 30, 1984
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Apple Springs, TX
Aircraft
Hughes 269A
Tail Number
N48930
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW84LA376
AFTER DISPENSING A LOAD OF GELLED GASOLINE, TO BURN WINDROWS OF BRUSH, THE PLT LANDED & REFILLED THE CHEMICAL TANK. BEFORE TAKING OFF, HE CHECKED HIS FUEL WITH A DIP STICK & DECIDED THERE WAS ENOUGH REMAINING TO DISPENSE A 2ND LOAD. WHILE FLYING DOWNWIND & DISPENSING AT ABOUT 15 FT OVER A WINDROW, THE ENG LOST POWER FROM FUEL EXHAUSTION. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD ON SOFT TERRAIN, THE RIGHT SKID DUG IN & THE ACFT ROLLED OVER. THE PLT STATED THAT HE SHOULD HAVE USED TIME AS A MEASUREMENT OF FUEL INSTEAD OF COMPARING IT TO GEL USE. HE HAD FLOWN ABOUT 3 HRS WITHOUT REFUELING.
Full Narrative
AFTER DISPENSING A LOAD OF GELLED GASOLINE, TO BURN WINDROWS OF BRUSH, THE PLT LANDED & REFILLED THE CHEMICAL TANK. BEFORE TAKING OFF, HE CHECKED HIS FUEL WITH A DIP STICK & DECIDED THERE WAS ENOUGH REMAINING TO DISPENSE A 2ND LOAD. WHILE FLYING DOWNWIND & DISPENSING AT ABOUT 15 FT OVER A WINDROW, THE ENG LOST POWER FROM FUEL EXHAUSTION. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD ON SOFT TERRAIN, THE RIGHT SKID DUG IN & THE ACFT ROLLED OVER. THE PLT STATED THAT HE SHOULD HAVE USED TIME AS A MEASUREMENT OF FUEL INSTEAD OF COMPARING IT TO GEL USE. HE HAD FLOWN ABOUT 3 HRS WITHOUT REFUELING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 269A
Tail NumberN48930
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-C2D · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 31 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind225° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO