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NTSB Report
July 25, 2014 · Continental Copters Tomcat MK5A · N161SH
Osage, MN
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 25, 2014
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Osage, MN
Aircraft
Continental Copters Tomcat MK5A (1976)
Tail Number
N161SH
Operator
Scott Churchill
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN14CA391
While conducting a spray operation at 15 feet above the ground, the helicopter's engine sputtered so the pilot pulled up on the collective. The engine momentarily stopped sputtering but then began to run rough and continued to sputter. The pilot made a forced landing and the helicopter impacted the ground and rolled on its side, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and rotor blades. A postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed water contamination in the gascolator and the fuel tank. Also, water contamination was found in the company's bulk fuel supply tank. The pilot noted that he checked the helicopter's fuel tank three times and the samples contained water every time. The pilot discarded the samples and continued to operate with the contaminated fuel.
NTSB Probable Cause
The total loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel, which resulted in the pilot's forced landing and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate the helicopter without resolving the fuel contamination.
Full Narrative
While conducting a spray operation at 15 feet above the ground, the helicopter's engine sputtered so the pilot pulled up on the collective. The engine momentarily stopped sputtering but then began to run rough and continued to sputter. The pilot made a forced landing and the helicopter impacted the ground and rolled on its side, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and rotor blades. A postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed water contamination in the gascolator and the fuel tank. Also, water contamination was found in the company's bulk fuel supply tank. The pilot noted that he checked the helicopter's fuel tank three times and the samples contained water every time. The pilot discarded the samples and continued to operate with the contaminated fuel.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftContinental Copters Tomcat MK5A
Tail NumberN161SH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorScott Churchill
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435 · Reciprocating · 265
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.79 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC