# NTSB ATL87DKG04: Bell TH-13T, N205PS, Melvin, AL, June 10, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: June 10, 1987, 07:40 local (12:40 UTC)
- Place: Melvin, AL
- Coordinates: 31.959753, -88.45063 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.9598&lon=-88.4506&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 25, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7241
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87DKG04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7241/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87DKG04

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - aerial application
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - autorotation - performed
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PLT RPRTD THAT AFTER LNDG TO RELOAD WITH HERBICIDE, HE GOT OUT OF THE HELICOPTER TO CHECK THE FUEL IN THE TANKS. AFTER A VISUAL INSPN, HE BELIEVED HE HAD 'AN ADEQUATE AMOUNT' OF FUEL TO FLY ABOUT 1/4 MI TO THE AREA TO BE SPRAYED, APPLY THE CHEMICAL & RETURN TO THE LOADING AREA. HOWEVER, WHEN HE WAS ON THE LAST SPRAY RUN AT ABOUT 40' AGL, THE ENG LOST POWER. THE PLT MADE AN AUTOROTATIVE APCH TO A NEARBY ROAD WHERE THE HELICOPTER LNDD HARD & SKIDDED TO A STOP. DRG THE LNDG, THE TAIL BOOM HIT THE ROAD & WAS EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED. THE PLT STATED THE HELICOPTER RAN OUT OF FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N205PS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N205PS-1988-09-22), registration cancelled 1988-09-22, S/N 6715946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL TH-13T
- Registry model: [Bell TH-13T](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-th-13t) (registry code 1180813) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 3665
- Airframe hours: 5662
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540 280 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Robert E. Provine, doing business as Provine Helicopter Service
- Registered owner: Provine Helicopter Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 15, 1987

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 10,395 total, 600 in this make and model, 10,300 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19870610022049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870610022049A), Jun 10, 1987: Bell TH13T, Melvin, AL, Substantial damage. The agricultural spray aircraft landed hard after engine failure due to fuel exhaustion.

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.

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