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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 9, 2023 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N163RK

Marble Falls, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 9, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Marble Falls, TX
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2006)
Tail Number
N163RK
Operator
Lone Star Aircraft Holdings
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR23LA263

The pilot of the helicopter was conducting an aerial observation flight when, about 250 ft above ground level (agl) and about 50 knots indicated airspeed, the engine lost total power. The pilot entered an autorotation, negotiated a powerline, and landed on a hill. During the landing, the helicopter rocked forward and aft, striking and substantially damaging the lower vertical stabilizer. Postaccident examination revealed water and a reddish-colored polyamide substance in the main fuel tank, auxiliary fuel tank, electric fuel pump, and gascolator. Further examination of the polyamide was inconclusive for a single known substance. The pilot reported that during the three-day mission, he refueled the helicopter at three different airports as well as his own personal fuel supply. Postaccident examination of the owner’s personal fuel supply and each of the airport’s fuel delivery systems did not reveal the presence of contamination. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with a total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination; however, the source of the contamination could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination from an unknown source.

Full Narrative

On July 9, 2023, about 0947 central daylight time, a Robinson R-44 II helicopter, N163RK, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Marble Falls, Texas. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation flight. The pilot reported that he was conducting a power pole inspection flight along with two non-pilot crewmembers. During the third day of the mission and while about 250 ft above ground level (agl) and about 50 knots indicated airspeed, the engine lost total power. The pilot entered an autorotation and turned right to an area suitable for a forced landing. During the descent, he saw a set of power distribution lines that crossed his path. He increased the collective control to clear the power lines and after he passed over the power lines, he felt a slight shudder. The helicopter touched down on slightly sloped terrain. During the touchdown, the helicopter rocked forward and aft. The lower vertical stabilizer contacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot and crew exited unassisted. Examination of the helicopter revealed that both fuel tanks and the gascolator contained fuel along with a reddish-brown fluid that tested positive for water. According to a mechanic who performed postaccident maintenance on the helicopter, both fuel cells were coated on the inside with the red substance, and the electric fuel pump was clogged with the red substance. He stated that the red substance could only be dissolved with a methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) equivalent cleaner. The fuel samples were shipped to the NTSB Materials Laboratory for further examination. Further testing of the contaminated fuel samples revealed that the sample was consistent with a polyamide; however, a spectral library search did not find any strong matches to a single known substance. The pilot reported that he obtained fuel from several different airports as well as his own personal supply during the three-day mission; postaccident testing revealed no contamination in any of the fuel delivery systems.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:47 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN163RK
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLone Star Aircraft Holdings
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 245
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1None
Crew 2Age 46 · Second Class · None
Crew 3None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point10 F / 61 F
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time16:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data