# Accident 20230302001889A: Bell UH-1B, Orland, CA, March 2, 2023

- Type: FAA accident report (Accident/Incident Data System), as reported
- Date: March 2, 2023, 14:30 local time
- Place: Orland, CA
- Airport: Haigh Field
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Phase of flight: Maneuver
- Operating rules: Agricultural (Part 137)
- Operator: P8QG
- Location: 39.7270° N, 122.0709° W: From the FAA
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7270&lon=-122.0709&mi=10
- Aircraft: N234SJ, registered now (https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N234SJ) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry model: Bell UH-1B (registry code 1181410, https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-uh-1b) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: Lycoming T-53 series (registry code 41549, https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-t-53-series) (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL UH-1B
- Reported engine: LYCOMING T-53 SERIES
- People aboard: 1
- Fatal injuries: 0
- Other injuries: 1
- Pilot certificates: Commercial pilot, flight instructor
- Pilot flight hours: 19,550 total, 35 in this make and model
- NTSB investigation: [NTSB WPR23LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA118) (OpenAirDocs)
- FAA source: FAA Aviation Safety Information Portal (https://asip.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/incident/20230302001889A

## Narrative

As the FAA filed it, in capitals; the FAA replaces private details with ^PRIVACY DATA OMITTED^.

AFTER TAKING OFF FROM COUNTY ROAD 24, PILOT REPORTED RUNNING OUT OF FUEL DURING AERIAL APPLICATION ON AN ORCHARD.  THE PILOT SAID IN A VERBAL STATEMENT THAT IT WAS HIS FIRST DAY ON THE JOB.  HE MENTIONED THAT HE DID NOT HAVE VERY MUCH TIME IN THAT TYPE OF AIRCRAFT AND THAT HE WAS NERVOUS AND DISTRACTED WHICH LED HIM TO FORGETTING TO FUEL THE AIRCRAFT.  SIGNATURES SEEN IN THE PICTURES OF THE EVENT INDICATE THAT THE SKIDS COLLAPSED.

THE MAIN ROTORS INDICATE THAT THERE WAS NO POWER TO THE ENGINE.  WRECKAGE AND GROUND SCARS INDICATE THAT THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT HAVE ANY FORWARD MOVEMENT.  THERE DOES NOT SHOW ANY INDICATIONS OF FIRE, WHICH COINCIDES WITH THE PILOT'S STATEMENT THAT THERE WAS NO FUEL IN THE AIRCRAFT.

## The NTSB's investigation of this event (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB WPR23LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA118), Mar 2, 2023: Bell UH-1B (N234SJ), Orland, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a loss of engine power.

## Other reports on N234SJ (1)

Matched to the same aircraft by N-number and date.

- [Accident 20031016034579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20031016034579A), Oct 16, 2003: Bell UH1B (N234SJ), Durham, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) Mr. Porter was simulating part 136 spray operations as a demonstration for the 1st grade class of Durham elementary school. The class was on a field trip…

From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. For accidents, the NTSB's own investigation is the fuller record.

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