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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

July 31, 2010 · Garlick OH-58A · N305SD

Kountze, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 31, 2010
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Kountze, TX
Aircraft
Garlick OH-58A
Tail Number
N305SD
Operator
Coastal Air Service
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN10LA455

The pilot stated that he normally fueled the helicopter with 200 pounds of fuel each time he loaded chemicals, which equated to approximately 30 minutes of engine endurance. During the flight he did not recall the 20-minute fuel warning light or any other warning lights illuminating. After what the pilot thought was about 15 minutes into the flight, the helicopter yawed from side-to-side and the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot performed a quick-stop landing, severing the tail boom. Federal Aviation Administration inspectors found no fuel in the fuel line and only a half of a cup of fuel in the fuel filter. While the fuel tank had been compromised, there was no evidence of fuel in the surrounding area.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s improper fuel planning.

Full Narrative

On July 31, 2010, approximately 1200 central daylight time, a Garlick OH-58A, N305SD, operated by Coastal Air Service, Panama City, Florida, was substantially damaged when the pilot made a quick-stop landing after the engine lost power 10 miles east of Kountze, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed at the time of the accident. The aerial application flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 137 without a flight plan. The pilot, the sole occupant on board, received serious injuries. The local flight originated near Kountze, Texas, approximately 1130. The pilot reported the helicopter yawed from side-to-side, then the engine lost power. The pilot performed a quick-stop landing, severing the tail boom. The pilot told FAA inspectors that he normally fueled to 200 lbs each time he loaded chemicals, and this gave him approximately 30 minutes endurance. He did not recall the 20-minute fuel warning light or any other warning lights illuminating. He thought he had flown only 15 minutes. FAA inspectors found no fuel in the fuel line and only 1/2-cup of fuel in the fuel filter. The fuel tank had been compromised. An FAA inspector responded to the accident site and found the helicopter in an upright position. He could not access the fuel filler cap to see how much fuel was in the tank. There was no fuel in the line between the fuel control and the engine fuel nozzle. When the main fuel filter was opened (and after letting the fuel filter drain back into the housing), less than 1/2-cup of fuel was noted. There was no fuel smell in the area.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:15 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGarlick OH-58A
Tail NumberN305SD
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCoastal Air Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce-Allison · T-63A-720 · Turboshaft · 420
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data