# NTSB ERA14LA269: Garlick Helicopters OH 58A+, N650MH, Whitefield, ME, May 30, 2014

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 30, 2014, 14:37 local (18:37 UTC)
- Place: Whitefield, ME
- Coordinates: 44.201946, -69.604446 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.2019&lon=-69.6044&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Approach-VFR pattern final: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 13, 2015
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation
- Parties: FAA
- NTSB case key (mKey): 89312
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA14LA269
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/89312/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89312
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA269

## Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to land as soon as possible when the master caution warning light first illuminated as prescribed and his failure to ensure the proper setting of the caution panel segment lights before the flight.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid level (probable cause); cases with it: [Garlick Helicopters OH-58A+, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=3740006), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md)
- [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid management (probable cause); cases with it: [Garlick Helicopters OH-58A+, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=3740006), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md)
- [Info processing/decision: identification/recognition](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Garlick Helicopters OH-58A+, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510/cases.md?model=3740006), [All aircraft, 559 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510/cases.md)
- [Use of equip/info: use of policy/procedure](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063032): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Garlick Helicopters OH-58A+, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063032/cases.md?model=3740006), [All aircraft, 191 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063032/cases.md)
- [Use of equip/info: use of equip/system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Garlick Helicopters OH-58A+, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md?model=3740006), [All aircraft, 1,391 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Approach-VFR pattern final: Fuel related](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/190); cases with it: [Garlick Helicopters OH-58A+, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/190/sequence.md?model=3740006), [All aircraft, 361 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/190/sequence.md)
- [Approach-VFR pattern final: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) (defining event); cases with it: [Garlick Helicopters OH-58A+, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=3740006), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md)
- [Emergency descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Garlick Helicopters OH-58A+, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=3740006), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot reported that he departed with a quantity of fuel that would nominally provide for 1.2 hours of flight. Twenty minutes into the 45-minute flight, the master caution warning light illuminated with no discernible corresponding panel segment caution light. The published emergency procedure for this scenario was to land as soon as possible. Instead, the pilot continued flight as the master caution warning light illuminated three more times over the next 15 minutes. The engine then experienced a total loss of power. The pilot entered an autorotation and completed a forced landing to trees, which resulted in substantial damage to the helicopter. A detailed examination of the fuel system and associated warnings, airframe, engine controls, and fluid and pneumatic lines and a test run of the engine revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. About 10 to 11 gallons (65 pounds) of fuel were recovered from the helicopter, of which 1.3 gallons was unusable. Examination of the master caution light and associated caution panel segment lights revealed that the segment lights were positioned to the "dim" setting, which would have made it difficult or impossible to read in daylight conditions. The low fuel caution light was set to illuminate when there was between 65 and 98 pounds of fuel remaining. However, the manual advised that that illumination of the low fuel caution light does not mean that a fixed time remains and that the remaining fuel may not be available unless the helicopter remains in level or coordinated flight.

## Factual narrative

On May 30, 2014, about 1437 eastern daylight time, a Garlick Helicopters Inc. OH-58A+ helicopter, N650MH, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after a total loss of engine power while on approach to Maine Helicopters Helipad (ME59), Whitefield, Maine. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the positioning flight, which departed Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), Bar Harbor, Maine, about 1350. The flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. In a telephone interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot stated he departed BHB with the fuel gauge indicating 225-250 pounds of fuel. Twenty minutes into the flight, the MASTER CAUTION warning light "flickered" and the fuel gauge indicated 100-125 lbs of fuel. Five minutes later, the MASTER CAUTION warning light flickered again, and the fuel gauge indicated 100-125 lbs of fuel. Five minutes after that, the MASTER CAUTION warning light flickered a third time at a fuel reading of 100-125 lbs of fuel, and thirty seconds later, at 50-100 lbs, the engine stopped producing power. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he departed BHB with 37 gallons (245 lbs) of fuel on board, and that the flight was "uneventful" until the MASTER CAUTION warning light "flashed." He was unable to decipher the caution panel segment light associated with the brief illumination of the warning light, and shortly thereafter, the helicopter experienced a total loss of engine power over wooded terrain. The pilot entered autorotation, maneuvered the helicopter to an area of the shortest timber, and cushioned the landing as the helicopter entered the trees. The helicopter came to rest upright, and the pilot egressed without assistance. The pilot told first responders that he "had an issue with fuel" and told his employer immediately following the accident that he "ran out of fuel." The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for rotorcraft-helicopter and instrument helicopter. His most recent FAA second class medical certificate was issued on June 19, 2013. The pilot reported 3,723 total hours of flight experience, of which 1,475 hours were in the accident helicopter make and model. According to FAA records, the helicopter was manufactured in 1971 by Bell Helicopter for the U.S. Army as an OH-58A and was later remanufactured by Garlick Helicopters for civilian use. According to company records, its most recent 100-hour inspection was completed March 24, 2014, at 10,726 total aircraft hours. The helicopter had accrued 91 hours since that date. Interpolation of performance charts revealed that the fuel consumption rate at 100 knots was approximately 200 lbs per hour. A preliminary examination of the wreckage was performed by an FAA aviation safety inspector. He reported substantial damage to the fuselage and tailboom, and confirmed flightand engine control continuity. Operation of the fuel boost pump was also confirmed, and approximately 10-11 gallons (65 pounds) of fuel was recovered from the helicopter, of which 1.3 gallons was unusable. A detailed examination of the helicopter was performed by the airframe and engine manufacturers under the supervision of an FAA inspector. The integrity and continuity of the fuel system was confirmed, the fuel boost pump was operational, and the LOW FUEL segment light alternately extinguished and illuminated within the manufacturer's limits as fuel was added and drained from the helicopter. The light illuminated and stayed illuminated with approximately 10 gallons of fuel in the tank. A detailed examination of the fuel system and associated warnings, airframe, engine controls, and fluid and pneumatic lines revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The engine was started, and ran on the airframe continuously and without interruption. The throttle was opened fully, and the engine ran continuously at 103 percent. When the throttle was reduced to flight idle, the engine ran above the manufacturer's flight idle range, due to impact-related deformation of the engine controls between the throttle and the engine. Examination of the MASTER CAUTION warning light and associated segment panel lights revealed that the segment lights were set to the "dim" position. According to the Operator's Manual, the corrective action for the illumination of the MASTER CAUTION was, "Check for Caution Panel segment light illumination, if none, LAND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE." According to the Operator's Manual: d. Low Fuel Quantity Caution Light: The LOW FUEL caution light, (figure 2-13 and figure 2-14), located in caution panel, should illuminate when there is approximately 20 minutes or 65 to 98 pounds of fuel remaining. The illumination of this light does not mean a fixed time remains. When the 20 minute fuel caution light is on, the fuel remaining may not be available except when the aircraft is in level or coordinated flight. The 20 minute fuel caution light in conjunction with a fuel boost caution light may indicate impending fuel starvation.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N650MH](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N650MH), registered now, S/N 71-20740 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GARLICK HELICOPTERS INC OH 58A+
- Registry model: [Garlick Helicopters OH-58A+](https://openairdocs.org/model/garlick-helicopters-oh-58a-plus) (registry code 3740006) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 71-20740
- Year built: 1971
- Airframe hours: 10815
- Engines: Rolls-Royce T63-A-720 420 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Operator: Maine Helicopters Inc
- Registered owner: Maine Helicopters Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 24, 2014, 78 hours before
- Departed: BHB, Bar Harbor, ME
- Destination: ME59, Whitefield, ME
- Airport: ME59, Maine Helicopters, runway H1, 100 × 100 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; injuries: minor; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review April 18, 2013; seat: right; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 3,723 total, 1,475 in this make and model, 1,530 as pilot in command, 49 in the last 90 days, 49 in the last 30 days, 12 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 10 knots, gusting 17
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: AUG, 11 nm away

## 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 20140530007829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20140530007829A), May 30, 2014: Garlick Helicopters Inc OH-58A+, Whitefield, ME, Substantial damage. Information is preliminary and is to subject update and or change. The purpose of the CFR 91 flight was to conduct power line patrol for bangor hydro. The…

## Docket (9 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on April 2, 2015, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89312. 5.2 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 778 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424439&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF
- Police Report Narrative (item 2, .PDF, 57 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424440&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Police%20Report%20Narrative-Redacted.PDF
- Engine Exam Report - Rolls Royce (item 3, .PDF, 14 photos, 1.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424442&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Engine%20Exam%20Report%20-%20Rolls%20Royce-Master.PDF
- Airframe Exam Report - Bell Helicopter (item 4, .PDF, 18 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424443&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airframe%20Exam%20Report%20-%20Bell%20Helicopter-Master.PDF
- Memorandum for Record - Weather (item 5, .PDF, 123 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424444&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%20Weather-Master.PDF
- Memorandum for Record - Operator (item 6, .PDF, 50 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424446&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%20Operator-Master.PDF
- Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 7, .PDF, 72 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424445&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Redacted.PDF
- Photo 1 - Helicopter as Found (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 8, .PDF, 1.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424447&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%20-%20Helicopter%20as%20Found%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF
- Photo 2 - Helicopter as Found (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 9, .PDF, 1.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424448&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%20-%20Helicopter%20as%20Found%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF

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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