19980213001239A

Lost power on spray run. Landed hard. Engine made 2 loud bangs prior stopping. (.4)during an aerial application flight over an orchard at 40 feet above ground level, the pilot experienced a total loss of engine power. Unable to enter an autorotation due to the low altitude, the pilot landed hard in an open field, and the helicopter was substantially damaged. An examination of the helicopter revealed it was out of fuel. According to the pilot, prior to the mishap the fuel quantity gage had indicated 12 gallons remained in the tank, and evidently the fuel float had become stuck in the tank. The FAA coordinator reported that the conditions which may have produced the discrepancy could not be duplicated during the postimpact testing. However, during the examination when the fuel quantity sender arm was manipulated the float could be induced to hang up vertically. Then, when lowered to the bottom of the tank, the fuel quantity would read 12 gallons. All other system circuitry and component tests were negative. No specific mechanical defect was established. (-23)the helicopter was returning to it's tanker truck to refill when the engine lost power. The helicopter was at too low of an altitude to autorotate, so it landed quite hard. There were no reported injuries to the pilot. The helicopter was substantially damaged. No fuel was observed in the fuel tank and there was no leakage on site.