20021015031299A

(.19) On October 15, 2002, at 2010 central daylight time, a Schweizer 269C-1 single-engine helicopter, N61463, was substantially damaged during a hard landing to a field following a loss of engine power near san antonio, Texas. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Stinson flight center LLC, of san antonio, Texas. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 code of federal regulations part 91 instructional flight. The round robin cross-country flight was originated from and was destined for the Stinson municipal airport, san antonio. According to flight instructor, the helicopter was in cruise flight when the low fuel warning light illuminated. The flight continued toward the Stinson municipal airport; however, the engine lost total power prior to the airport. An autorotation was initiated to a field and the helicopter landed hard. The pilot stated that the reason for the loss of engine power was fuel exhaustion. An FAA inspector, who examined the helicopter at the accident site, reported that the tailboom was separated. (-23) on October 15, 2002, at approximately 2000 CDT, N61463, a Schweizer 269C-1 helicopter, owned and operated by Stinson air center, was destroyed following a hard landing. The hard landing was preceded by an engine power loss caused by fuel exhaustion. The accident occurred approximately 10 miles south of the Stinson airport. Neither the flight instructor nor student pilot were injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross country flight. No flight plan was filed. The pilots discussed the low fuel status as they passed the pleasanton airport. They elected not to refuel because neither pilot had a credit card. The fuel low caution light came on and the engine lost power within minutes. The autorotation resulted in a hard landing.