20000420023539A

(-4) On April 20, 2000, at 1015 eastern daylight time, a Hiller UH-12 helicopter, collided with trees while attempting an autorotation near Stonesboro, south carolina. The aerial application flight was operated by the pilot under the provisions of title 14 CFR part 137 with no flight plan filed. The helicopter sustained substantial damage, and the commercial pilot was not injured. The flight's intial departed the staging area in Stonesboro, southcarolina, at approx. 0830. The pilot reported that he had completed two spray runs and was on the third operation when he experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot explained that , the truck used to support the spraying operation had been driven into a ditch and he was distracted by the truck driver's problem, and neglected to refuel the helicopter. Moments later, the engine lost power after the helicopter "ran out of fuel". The pilot selected an area for a forced landing. The pilot reported that, he entered an autorotative descent for the forced landing. During the final approach to the touchdown point, the tail rotor assembly collided with a tree. (-4) cont'd the subsequent examination of the helicopter disclosed that there was only a trace of fuel in the fuel tanks. The pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the helicopter before the total loss of engine power. No mechanical malfunction or component failure with the helicopter was discovered during the post-accident examination. (.19) on April 20, 2000, at 1015 eastern daylight time, a Hiller UH-12 helicopter, collided with trees while attempting an autorotation near Stonesboro, south carolina. The aerial application flight was operated by the pilot under the provisions of title 14 CFR part 137 with no flight plan filed. The helicopter sustained substantial damage and the commercial pilot was not injured. The flight's exact departure time from Stonesboro, south carolina was not determined. According to the pilot, the engine quit after the helicopter ran out of fuel. The pilot selected an area for emergency landing. The pilot reported that the tail rotor assembly collided with a tree as he maneuvered the forced landing. (-23)PIC stated that he was involved in a spraying operation. He made three load drops and was returning to base for fourth run for substances and fuel. As he was returning to base the engine quit. As he autorotated into an open field the tail rotor clipped a small tree. The helicopter impacted the ground straight down and then rolled over on its side. PIC reported after crash only a trace of fuel was evident in tanks. Post crash by FAA safety inspector disclosed only a trace of fuel in tanks.