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NTSB Report
August 7, 2016 · Continental Copters Tomcat MK6B · N17H
Sparland, IL
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 7, 2016
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Sparland, IL
Aircraft
Continental Copters Tomcat MK6B (1947)
Tail Number
N17H
Operator
Hendrickson Flying Service
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN16CA321
Prior to departure from the field service vehicle assisting with the aerial application flight, the pilot checked his fuel gauges and his personal timer for fuel load estimation. The pilot's plan was to complete a field he had been applying chemical and thought he had enough fuel to complete the short flight. While maneuvering in a slow left turn near the field, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot maneuvered the helicopter to avoid trees and the helicopter experienced a hard forced landing to an adjacent field. The pilot sustained serious injuries and the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. Examination of the helicopter by a representative of the operator showed the fuel tanks and fuel lines contained no fuel. The loss of engine power was consistent with fuel exhaustion.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a total loss of engine power, and a forced landing.
Full Narrative
Prior to departure from the field service vehicle assisting with the aerial application flight, the pilot checked his fuel gauges and his personal timer for fuel load estimation. The pilot's plan was to complete a field he had been applying chemical and thought he had enough fuel to complete the short flight. While maneuvering in a slow left turn near the field, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot maneuvered the helicopter to avoid trees and the helicopter experienced a hard forced landing to an adjacent field. The pilot sustained serious injuries and the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. Examination of the helicopter by a representative of the operator showed the fuel tanks and fuel lines contained no fuel. The loss of engine power was consistent with fuel exhaustion.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftContinental Copters Tomcat MK6B
Tail NumberN17H
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHendrickson Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435 SERIES · Reciprocating · 260
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class · Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO