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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

January 22, 2012 · Bell 206B · N555NB

Irving, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 22, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Irving, TX
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N555NB
Operator
Longhorn Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12LA141

During the landing sequence to the landing zone, the helicopter’s fuel light illuminated and the engine lost power. The pilot performed an autorotation to flat terrain at a golf course. During the forced landing, the helicopter impacted the level terrain and came to rest about 10 feet from the initial impact point. An on-scene examination of the fuel system revealed no evidence of fuel and the fuel gauge read empty. Less than a half gallon of fuel was recovered and there was no evidence of fuel contamination. An examination of the remaining systems revealed no anomalies. The pilot stated that he mismanaged his fuel and that the tailwind component was less than forecast.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

On January 22, 2012, approximately 1540 central standard time, a Bell 206B, N555NB, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to the Las Colinas Golf Course, Irving, Texas. The airline transport pilot and three passengers were not injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Longhorn Helicopters Inc., under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 without a flight plan. The flight originated from Waco, Texas, at 1500, and was en route to the Las Colinas Four Seasons Resort, Irving, Texas. During the landing sequence to the Las Colinas Four Seasons Resort, the fuel light illuminated and the engine lost power. The pilot performed an autorotation to flat terrain at the Las Colinas Golf Course. During the forced landing, the helicopter impacted level terrain and came to rest approximately ten feet from the initial impact point. The tail stinger impacted the ground and the vertical fin was bent. The tail boom was bent adjacent to the airframe mount. An on scene examination of the fuel system, conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, revealed no evidence of fuel and the fuel gauge read empty. An examination of the engine compartment revealed no anomalies. The helicopter was moved from the golf course and the fuel system was sumped. Less than a half gallon of fuel was recovered and there was no evidence of fuel contamination. An examination of the remaining systems revealed no anomalies. The pilot reported that he departed with 35 gallons of fuel and had estimated that he would have 25 minutes of fuel remaining when he arrived at the destination. He stated that he mismanaged his fuel and the tailwind component was less than forecast.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:40 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN555NB
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLonghorn Helicopters
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 450
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 53 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 21 kt, gusting 33 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point28 C
Altimeter29.62 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data