FITCHBURG, MA, USA
N750LT
BELL 206B
PRIOR TO DEPARTING A GOLF COURSE IN BERLIN, MA, FOR FITCHBURG, MA, THE PILOT ADDED 2 TO 2-1/2 GALS OF UNLEADED AUTOMOBILE FUEL BECAUSE THE AIRCRAFT WAS LOW ON FUEL. WHILE STARTING A FLARE FOR LANDING AT FITCHBURG, THE ENGINE FLAMED OUT AND THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD. THE MAIN ROTOR BLADE SEVERED THE TAILBOOM. EXAMINATIION REVEALED THAT THERE WAS NO USABLE FUEL REMAINING ON BOARD. INDICATIONS ARE THAT THE PILOT HAD BEEN FLYING WITH THE CAUTION BREAKER PULLED BECAUSE THE ENGINE CHIP LIGHTS WERE ON. THE PULLED BREAKER WOULD ALSO PREVENT THE LOW FUEL LIGHT FROM COMING ON.
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ASSURE THAT ADEQUATE FUEL WAS ON BOARD FOR THE FLIGHT.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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