Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary WPR13CA342

Hilo, HI, USA

Aircraft #1

N500PH

MCDONNELL DOUGLAS HELICOPTER 369E

Analysis

Same as Factual Information

Factual Information

During a round trip tour flight, the pilot determined that the fuel state was low, and decided to return to the airport. The flight entered the airport environment and the pilot requested priority handling for a low fuel state. The engine subsequently lost power and the pilot initiated an autorotation to a field at the approach end of the runway. During the landing the helicopter's skid collapsed and the helicopter rolled over on to its right side which resulted in substantial damage. The operator indicated that there were no preimpact malfunctions or failures with the engine or airframe that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

A loss of engine power due to the pilot's improper planning and  mismanagement of the fuel supply, which resulted in fuel exhaustion.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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