Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX92LA345

MERCED, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N51858

Texas Helicopter OH-13H

Analysis

THE PILOT HAD COMPLETED AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT AND WAS RETURNING TO THE LOADING AREA WHEN THE HELICOPTER SUSTAINED A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE PILOT IMMEDIATELY EXECUTED AN AUTOROTATION INTO AN OPEN HARVESTED WHEAT FIELD. THE LANDING SKIDS DUG INTO THE SOFT FIELD CAUSING THE HELICOPTER TO ROLL OVER.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION AND FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS FUEL EXHAUSTION AND THE CULTIVATED SOFT FIELD.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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