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NTSB Report

July 30, 2016 · Bell Helicopter Textron 206 L1 · N206LW

Modesto, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 30, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Modesto, CA
Aircraft
Bell Helicopter Textron 206 L1 (1978)
Tail Number
N206LW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA408

The helicopter pilot reported that after a lengthy search and rescue mission he was headed back to the airport when the low fuel light illuminated, which meant there was about 10 minutes of fuel remaining. The pilot further reported that during the approach to land he made a right turn to final and the engine "flamed out". Subsequently, the pilot performed an emergency autorotation which resulted in abnormal ground contact and main rotor contact with the tail boom. After the landing, the passenger examined the helicopter and revealed that the tail boom sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that prior to the loss of engine power, there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The loss of engine power reported by the pilot was likely the result of fuel starvation during the right turn to final. The pilot reported that the fuel level was not checked after the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during an autorotation, which resulted in abnormal ground contact and main rotor contact with the tail boom. Contributing to the accident was the low fuel level which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power during the right turn to final.

Full Narrative

The helicopter pilot reported that after a lengthy search and rescue mission he was headed back to the airport when the low fuel light illuminated, which meant there was about 10 minutes of fuel remaining. The pilot further reported that during the approach to land he made a right turn to final and the engine "flamed out". Subsequently, the pilot performed an emergency autorotation which resulted in abnormal ground contact and main rotor contact with the tail boom. After the landing, the passenger examined the helicopter and revealed that the tail boom sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that prior to the loss of engine power, there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The loss of engine power reported by the pilot was likely the result of fuel starvation during the right turn to final. The pilot reported that the fuel level was not checked after the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time04:40 PDT
Nearest AirportModesto City-Co-Harry Sham Fld (0nm ESE)
Runway28R
Runway Length5904 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell Helicopter Textron 206 L1
Tail NumberN206LW
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · C30 · Turboshaft · 650
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · None
Crew 2None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind330° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter29.70 inHg
Observation Time10:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data