# NTSB IAD97LA051: Hughes 369HS, N340EM, Marion, OH, February 24, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 24, 1997, 12:05 local (17:05 UTC) - Place: Marion, OH - Coordinates: 40.579223, -83.120834 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5792&lon=-83.1208&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 21, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 28177 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=IAD97LA051 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28177/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97LA051 ## Probable cause Uncovering of the fuel tanks outlet, which resulted in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power. A related factor was the unsuitable terrain. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause) - trim setting - improper, pilot in command - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - Hard landing, emergency landing - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) - autorotation - improper, pilot in command ## Analysis The pilot had the fuel tank topped off 9 days before the accident and flew the helicopter for 15 minutes. On the day of the accident he added an additional 5 gallons. About 1 1/2 hours after takeoff the engine lost power. The pilot autorotated to a field and landed hard. Examination of the engine did not reveal any engine abnormalities or malfunctions. The helicopter's total fuel capacity was 64 gallons, of which 63.4 gallons was useable. When the helicopter was leveled and electrical power applied, the low fuel light was illuminated, and 5 3/4 gallons were pumped out by the fuel boost pump. According to the helicopter's flight manual, at low fuel level, sideslip may cause the fuel tank outlet to become uncovered causing fuel starvation. A review of the pilot's log book revealed that he was not helicopter rated, but had a helicopter solo endorsement that expired about 60 days prior to the accident. ## Factual narrative On February 24, 1997, at 1205 eastern standard time, a Hughes 369HS, N340EM, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Marion, Ohio. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The business flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Port Huron, Michigan, destined for Urbana, Ohio. According to the pilot, about 1 1/2 hours into the flight, and about 10 miles northeast of his destination, the engine lost power. He entered autorotation, but the helicopter touched down hard, the left skid separated, the right front skid separated, and the helicopter rolled over on the left side. The pilot said he topped off the fuel tank 9 days before the accident, and he had flown 15 minutes that day. On the day of the accident, he purchased an additional 5 gallons. The total fuel capacity of the fuel tank was 64 gallons, of which 63.4 gallons was useable. According to a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector, examination of the fuel system did not reveal any air leaks. The helicopter was leveled and electrical power was applied. When the power was applied, the low fuel light was illuminated, and using the helicopter fuel boost pump, 5 3/4 gallons were collected in a container before the fuel flow stopped. According to the helicopter flight manual, at low fuel level, sideslip may cause the fuel tanks outlet to become uncovered causing fuel starvation. Examination of the helicopter and engine did not reveal any abnormalities that would have precluded operation. A review of the pilot's log book revealed that he was not helicopter rated, but had a helicopter solo endorsement that expired about 60 days prior to the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: N340EM (not matched to a registry record) - Reported make and model: Hughes 369HS - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 1290226S - Engines: Allison 250-C10D 278 horsepower turbo shaft - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Business, Part 91 - Registered owner: Manfred W Engler - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 11, 1996, 71 hours before - Departed: PHN, PORT HURON, MI - Destination: I78, MARYSVILLE, OH ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 56; private, foreign; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,495 total, 105 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 260° at 8 knots, gusting 10 - Visibility: 30 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 34 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg ## 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 19970224001839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970224001839A), Feb 24, 1997: Cessna 340A, Marion, OH, Substantial damage. Helicopter lost power at 500AGL and tried to autorotate, landed in hte mud and flipped over onto its side. (-23) the pilot reported that during a VFR cruise… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.