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NTSB Report

February 28, 2018 · Bell 47G 5 · N7800S

Pixley, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 28, 2018
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Pixley, CA
Aircraft
Bell 47G 5 (1966)
Tail Number
N7800S
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR18CA096

The pilot reported that, after landing and during the loading for the next chemical agricultural application flight with the engine running, he exited the helicopter to speak to the owner of the property he was spraying. He could not remember if he had instructed the ground crewman to fuel the helicopter or not. Additionally, the pilot stated that, before takeoff, he failed to check the fuel level and was unaware that the ground crewman had not refueled the helicopter. After takeoff and completing only one spray pass, the engine lost power. The pilot opined that he "just ran out of fuel." Unable to make it back to the loading area, he landed in a grove of trees, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot also mentioned that due to the approaching rain, he was in a hurry to get the field sprayed before it arrived. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the helicopter or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from the pilot’s failure to ensure that adequate fuel was on board for the flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-induced pressure to complete the flight due to impending rain.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that after landing and during the loading for the next chemical agricultural application flight with the engine running, he exited the helicopter to speak to the owner of the property he was spraying. He could not remember if he had instructed the ground crewman to fuel the helicopter or not. Additionally, the pilot stated that prior to takeoff he failed to check the fuel level and was unaware that the ground crewman had not refueled the helicopter. After takeoff and completing only one spray pass, the engine lost power. The pilot opined that he "just ran out of fuel." Unable to make it back to the loading area, he landed in a grove of trees, which resulted in substantial damage to the helicopter. The pilot also mentioned that due to the approaching rain, he was in a hurry to get the field sprayed before it arrived. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G 5
Tail NumberN7800S
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 46
Altimeter30.19 inHg
Observation Time23:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data