BELL 412
Whittier, CA — August 17, 2015
Event Information
| Date | August 17, 2015 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA15CA230 |
| Event ID | 20150819X23543 |
| Location | Whittier, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.00555, -118.05111 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | BELL |
| Model | 412 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | PUBU |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to appropriately monitor the helicopter's fuel supply, resulting in fuel exhaustion, loss of engine power, and an autorotation with a hard landing.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot of the public use, multi-engine helicopter, he performed an autorotation and landing after exhausting the helicopter's fuel supply in flight. The pilot reported that while acting as the Helicopter Commander during a brush fire containment mission, the complexities involved with managing the fire increased and as a result, the pilot stated, "I failed to re-adjust my station time appropriately for my aircraft." He reported that both engines lost power and he executed an autorotation and touchdown onto down sloping terrain. Upon impact with the ground, the main rotor blades flexed down and severed the tail boom. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom, the main rotor and tail rotor blades, the main rotor drive system and the primary flight controls.
The pilot reported no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to flight that would have prevented normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.