ENSTROM F-28C
Fort Pierce, FL, February 26, 2011
Event Information
| Date | February 26, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Fort Pierce, FL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 27.43935, -80.56093 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
| NTSB Number | ERA11CA166 |
| Event ID | 20110226X81430 |
Aircraft
| Make | ENSTROM |
| Model | F-28C |
| Registration # | N5689B |
| Operator | Ohio Helicopter Flight Service |
| Owner | DISK COPY INC |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 2 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the helicopter stated that the fuel gauge indicated "one-eighth to one-quarter" full on takeoff. At an altitude of approximately 200 feet, the low fuel pressure light illuminated, followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot performed a 180-degree autorotation to a parking lot, and the helicopter landed hard, resulting in substantial damage to the left skid and tail boom. During postaccident examination, a Federal Aviation Administration inspector drained approximately 3 ounces of fuel from the gascolator. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter, and that he "ran it out of fuel" by "trusting the gauge."
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.