DFW05CA044

The pilot lifted off and approximately 50 feet above ground level (agl), the engine lost power. The helicopter was at an airspeed and altitude combination (below height/velocity curve), and the pilot was unable to execute a successful autorotation. The helicopter contacted the ground in a high rate of descent, resulting in the main rotor blade contacting the tail boom. At the time of the incident the helicopter contained less then 200 pounds of fuel and the pilot had not engaged the fuel boost pump circuit breakers before liftoff. The Bell 206L-1 flight manual, revision 21, indicated the following: "Warning: If both fuel boost pumps fail, unusable fuel may be as high as 150 pounds due to inability to transfer fuel from the forward cells."

On December 9, 2004, about 1230 central standard time, a Bell 206L-1 turbo-shaft powered helicopter, N5007F, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Patterson, Louisiana. The helicopter was owned and operated by Evergreen Helicopters Inc. of McMinnville, Oregon. The commercial pilot, sole occupant, was not inured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 positioning flight. The flight originated from SS-198, an off-shore platform in the Gulf of Mexico, at 0725, and was en route to the Harry P Williams Memorial Airport (PTN) near Patterson, Louisiana.

The pilot reported that after encountering reduced visibility near the Morgan City channel, he elected to land on an island and wait for better visibility. When the visibility slightly improved, the pilot was able to cross to another island where he again elected to land and wait for better visibility. In an effort to scout for better visibility, the pilot started and shut down the helicopter engine repeatedly over the next several hours.

The pilot continued by reporting, approximately 1230 he again started the engine and lifted off to look over a tree line blocking his view to the north. Approximately 50 feet above ground level (agl) and at 20-40 knots, the engine lost power. The helicopter descended and contacted the ground in a high rate of descent, which resulted in the main rotor blade coming into contact with the tail boom. The helicopter came to rest in an upright position.

The pilot further reported that at the time of the incident, the helicopter contained less then 200 pounds of fuel and he had forgotten to engage the fuel boost pump circuit breakers before liftoff.

The Bell 206L-1 flight manual, revision 21, indicated the following: "Warning: If both fuel boost pumps fail, unusable fuel may be as high as 150 pounds due to inability to transfer fuel from the forward cells." The flight manual also revealed that the helicopter was at an airspeed and altitude combination (below height/velocity curve), which could prevent the pilot from executing a successful autorotation.

An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the tail boom sustained structural damage.

According to the pilot, the wind was from 270 degrees at 5 knots, visibility was 1/4 to one statute mile with fog, and the temperature was 70 degrees Fahrenheit.