MARION, MA, USA
N8591F
BELL 47G5
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE WAS PERFORMING AN 'AG TURN' DURING AERIAL APPLICATION OPERATIONS WHEN A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WAS NOTED. THE HELICOPTER DESCENDED INTO TREES AND BRUSH. THE PILOT STATED THAT 'CARBURETOR ICE WAS SUSPECTED THROUGHOUT THE DAY. CARBURETOR HEAT WAS APPLIED INTERMITTENTLY DURING THE DAY.' ON- SCENE INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO INDICATION OF MECHANICAL DIFFICULTY/MALFUNCTION; THERE WAS FUEL ON BOARD THE HELICOPTER, AND NO EVIDENCE OF CONTAMINATION IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. A POST- ACCIDENT ENGINE RUN WAS ACCOMPLISHED WITH NO INDICATION OF POWER LOSS.
IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT BY THE PILOT RESULTING IN A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING WAS A FACTOR.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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