# NTSB LAX95LA024: Kaman HH-43F, N90944, Willits, CA, October 30, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 30, 1994, 12:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Willits, CA
- Coordinates: 39.490089, -123.360198 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.4901&lon=-123.3602&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report May 16, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28974
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX95LA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28974/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA024

## Probable cause

the pilot's improper fuel consumption calculations resulting in fuel exhaustion.  The hilly terrain was a factor in this accident.

## 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 - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD COMPLETED A SERIES OF LOGGING OPERATIONS AND WAS RETURNING TO THE LANDING SITE WHEN THE ENGINE FLAMED OUT.  THE PILOT EXECUTED A SUCCESSFUL AUTOROTATION ONTO THE SIDE OF A HILL. AFTER LANDING, HOWEVER, THE HELICOPTER ROLLED DOWN THE HILL AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE.  THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY FUEL IN THE ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM OR ANY PREEXISTING MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES.

## Factual narrative

On October 30, 1994, at 1245 hours Pacific standard time, a Kaman HH-43F helicopter, N90944, crashed about 5 miles east of Willits, California.  The pilot was returning to the landing area after completing a Title 14 CFR Part 133 logging operation.  The helicopter, operated by Skyhook, Inc., Bend, Oregon, was destroyed.  The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The flight originated at a private airstrip (Williams Ranch) near Willits, California, at 1040 hours.

National Transportation Safety Board investigators conducted a telephone interview with the operator on October 30, 1994.  The operator said the pilot was returning to the airstrip for fuel when the engine "flamed out."  The pilot executed a successful autorotation to the side of a hill.  However, after the touchdown, the helicopter rolled over and rolled down the hill and collided with a tree.

An inspector (airworthiness) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Oakland [California] Flight Standards District Office conducted the on-scene investigation.  The inspector reported that the engine system did not contain any fuel.

He also said that there was no evidence of any preexisting malfunctions or failures.

Neither the operator nor the pilot submitted the required Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2.  The pilot's flight times noted in this report were obtained from the helicopter's insurers.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N90944 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: KAMAN HH-43F
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 62-4514
- Airframe hours: 3740
- Engines: LYCOMING T53-L-9 1150 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Other work use, Part 133
- Operator: Skyhook, Inc.
- Registered owner: Moseley Aviation, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 18,400 total, 300 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19941030036799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19941030036799A), Oct 30, 1994: Kaman HH43F, Willits, CA, Destroyed. Engine flameout returning to base. Autorotated to a hill. After landing rolled into a tree. Fuel exhaustion problem

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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