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NTSB Report
May 19, 1982 · Hughes 369D · N1096L
Birkenfeld, OR
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 19, 1982
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Birkenfeld, OR
Aircraft
Hughes 369D
Tail Number
N1096L
Operator
Transwestern Helicotering
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA82FYM16
THE PILOT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED 150 LBS OF FUEL REMAINING WHEN HE BEGAN THE FLIGHT. SINCE THE DROP POINT WAS WITHIN 2 TO 3 MINUTES OF THE DEPARTURE POINT, HE ELECTED TO PROCEED WITHOUT REFUELING. WHILE HOVERING AND BEING GUIDED INTO THE DROP POINT, THE LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT FLICKERED. THE PILOT COMPLETED THE DROP, AND WHILE RETURNING TO THE REFUELING AREA, THE LIGHT FLICKERED 3 MORE TIMES. THE PILOT STATED THAT WHEN HE ARRIVED AT THE REFUELING AREA, THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED APPROXIMATELY 50 TO 60 LBS OF FUEL REMAINING. SHORTLY AFTER THAT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER WHILE THE HELICOPTER WAS STILL ABOUT 50 TO 60 FT AGL. DURING AN AUTOROTATION, THE HELICOPTER WAS LANDED ON THE HILLSIDE OF A LOGGING AREA WHILE AVOIDING A TRUCK.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED 150 LBS OF FUEL REMAINING WHEN HE BEGAN THE FLIGHT. SINCE THE DROP POINT WAS WITHIN 2 TO 3 MINUTES OF THE DEPARTURE POINT, HE ELECTED TO PROCEED WITHOUT REFUELING. WHILE HOVERING AND BEING GUIDED INTO THE DROP POINT, THE LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT FLICKERED. THE PILOT COMPLETED THE DROP, AND WHILE RETURNING TO THE REFUELING AREA, THE LIGHT FLICKERED 3 MORE TIMES. THE PILOT STATED THAT WHEN HE ARRIVED AT THE REFUELING AREA, THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED APPROXIMATELY 50 TO 60 LBS OF FUEL REMAINING. SHORTLY AFTER THAT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER WHILE THE HELICOPTER WAS STILL ABOUT 50 TO 60 FT AGL. DURING AN AUTOROTATION, THE HELICOPTER WAS LANDED ON THE HILLSIDE OF A LOGGING AREA WHILE AVOIDING A TRUCK.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:40 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 369D
Tail NumberN1096L
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTranswestern Helicotering
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250 · Turboshaft · 250
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg