BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON 206
Modesto, CA — July 30, 2016
Event Information
| Date | July 30, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA16CA408 |
| Event ID | 20160802X53901 |
| Location | Modesto, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 37.62417, -120.94945 |
| Airport | MODESTO CITY-CO-HARRY SHAM FLD |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON |
| Model | 206 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | PUBU |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | NITE |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during an autorotation, which resulted in abnormal ground contact and main rotor contact with the tail boom. Contributing to the accident was the low fuel level which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power during the right turn to final.
Full Narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that after a lengthy search and rescue mission he was headed back to the airport when the low fuel light illuminated, which meant there was about 10 minutes of fuel remaining. The pilot further reported that during the approach to land he made a right turn to final and the engine "flamed out". Subsequently, the pilot performed an emergency autorotation which resulted in abnormal ground contact and main rotor contact with the tail boom.
After the landing, the passenger examined the helicopter and revealed that the tail boom sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that prior to the loss of engine power, there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
The loss of engine power reported by the pilot was likely the result of fuel starvation during the right turn to final. The pilot reported that the fuel level was not checked after the accident.
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.