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June 6, 2019 · Bell UH 1H No Series · N4085L

Bethel, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 6, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Bethel, AK
Aircraft
Bell UH 1H No Series (1968)
Tail Number
N4085L
Operator
Yukon Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA344

The pilot reported that, before departure, he was told the helicopter was topped off with fuel for the multistop flight. He added that he did not verify the fuel quantity but that, when he departed for the last leg about 60 miles from the destination airport, the fuel gauge showed just below 600 lbs of fuel, and he decided to fly at 120 knots with a tailwind. He added that, about 3 miles from the destination airport, the engine lost power. He performed an autorotation, but the helicopter landed hard. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and transmission mounts. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that, after landing, the fuel quantity gauge showed that there was about 225 lbs of fuel remaining and that the 20-minute fuel light, which did not illuminate during the flight, illuminated once on the ground. He estimated that the helicopter's fuel burn was about 75 to 80 gallons per hour (gph). The chief pilot, who was also the helicopter's owner, reported that he had refueled the helicopter on uneven terrain before the flight. He filled the tank to the bottom of the filler cap on the left side, which he estimated was about 10 to 15 gallons less than the total fuel capacity of the 210-gallon tank. He estimated that the helicopter burned about 90 gph. He added that there were no open mechanical squawks on the helicopter and that he was not aware of any mechanical issues. The Federal Aviation Administrator inspector who examined the helicopter at the accident site reported that the fuel quantity gauge had been serviced and calibrated earlier in the year but continued to indicate that fuel was onboard even after the helicopter ran out of fuel. The 20-minute low fuel light appeared to be functioning normally.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power, and his improper landing flare during a forced autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident were the inoperative fuel gauge, which was not accurately calibrated, and the pilot’s reliance on the gauge.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, prior to departure, he was told the helicopter was topped off with fuel for the multi-stop flight. He added that he did not verify the fuel quantity. During the last leg, he departed about 60 miles from the destination airport with just below 600 pounds of fuel and he decided to fly at 120 knots with a tailwind. He added that about 3 miles from the destination airport, the engine lost power. He performed an autorotation but landed hard. The pilot reported that after landing, the fuel quantity gauge read about 225 pounds of fuel remaining and that the 20-minute fuel light which did not illuminate during the flight, illuminated once on the ground. The pilot was unsure if anyone had verified the fuel quantity remaining after landing, but they added about 50 gallons of fuel and continued to the destination airport. He estimated that the helicopter's fuel burn was about 75 to 80 gallons/hour. The chief pilot and owner reported that he had refueled the helicopter, which was on uneven terrain, before the flight. He filled the tank to the bottom of the filler cap on the left side, which he estimated was about 10 to 15 gallons less than total fuel capacity of 210 gallon tank. He estimated that the helicopter burned about 90 gallons/hour. He added that there were no open mechanical squawks on the helicopter and that he was not aware of any mechanical issues. The Federal Aviation Administrator inspector, who examined the helicopter at the accident site, reported that the fuel quantity gauge had been serviced and calibrated earlier in the year, but continued to indicate fuel after the helicopter ran out of fuel. The 20-minute low fuel light appeared to be functioning normally. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and transmission mounts. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell UH 1H No Series
Tail NumberN4085L
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorYukon Helicopters
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsLycoming · T53-13 · Turboshaft · 1400
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 43 C
Altimeter30.23 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data