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NTSB Report
August 2, 2011 · Bell 47G-2 · N4771N
Charles City, IA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 2, 2011
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Charles City, IA
Aircraft
Bell 47G-2
Tail Number
N4771N
Operator
Scotts Helicopter Services
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11CA540
The operator reported that prior to the accident flight the pilot was distracted during a refueling operation. The distraction involved ground personnel entering the helicopter cabin after landing to discuss the next spraying operation with the pilot. After the conversation, the pilot departed without refueling the helicopter. While completing an aerial application, the engine experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot initiated an autorotation, during which the helicopter impacted terrain. A postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed the tail boom was partially separated and the landing gear skids were bent. The operator reported that approximately 3.5 quarts of fuel were drained from the fuel tanks, and 2 gallons of fuel were considered unusable.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to refuel the helicopter which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Full Narrative
The operator reported that prior to the accident flight, the pilot was distracted during his intended refueling operation. The distraction involved ground personnel entering the helicopter cabin after landing to discuss the next spraying operation with the pilot. After the conversation, the pilot departed without refueling the helicopter. While completing an aerial application, the engine experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot initiated an autorotation and impacted terrain. A postaccident examination of the helicopter showed the tail boom was partially separated and the landing gear skids were bent. The operator reported that approximately 3.5 quarts of fuel were drained from the fuel tanks, and 2 gallons of fuel were considered unusable.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-2
Tail NumberN4771N
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorScotts Helicopter Services
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435 SERIES · Reciprocating · 260
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class · Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT