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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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March 29, 2023 · Bell OH-58A · N82851

Wade, OK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 29, 2023
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Wade, OK
Aircraft
Bell OH-58A (1972)
Tail Number
N82851
Operator
Prentice Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN23LA147

While maneuvering during an aerial application flight, the engine lost power, and the pilot conducted an autorotation to a field. During the autorotation, the helicopter landed hard, rolled over, and sustained substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed a foamy cream-colored liquid in the airframe fuel filter and fuel line. The pilot reported that before the accident flight the helicopter was fueled from the operator’s support truck fuel tank. Initial examination of the tank showed no visible signs of fuel contamination. A subsequent visual examination, several days later, showed the same cream-colored contamination that was identified in the helicopter fuel system. The pilot reported that the truck’s fuel tank was filled the day before from his on-site fuel storage tank. The reason for the fuel contamination in the operator’s on-site fuel storage or the helicopter fuel system could not be determined. The loss of engine power was attributed to fuel contamination.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine (turbine/turboprop)-(general)-Failure

Full Narrative

While maneuvering during an aerial application flight, the engine lost power, and the pilot conducted an autorotation to a field. During the autorotation, the helicopter landed hard, rolled over, and sustained substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed a foamy cream-colored liquid in the airframe fuel filter and fuel line. The pilot reported that before the accident flight the helicopter was fueled from the operator’s support truck fuel tank. Initial examination of the tank showed no visible signs of fuel contamination. A subsequent visual examination, several days later, showed the same cream-colored contamination that was identified in the helicopter fuel system. The pilot reported that the truck’s fuel tank was filled the day before from his on-site fuel storage tank. The reason for the fuel contamination in the operator’s on-site fuel storage or the helicopter fuel system could not be determined. The loss of engine power was attributed to fuel contamination.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:23 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell OH-58A
Tail NumberN82851
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPrentice Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · T63 SERIES · Turboshaft · 420
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 F / 36 F
Altimeter30.28 inHg
Observation Time09:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data