# NTSB MIA86LA165: Bell UH-1B, N3879G, Fellsmere, FL, May 21, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 21, 1986, 02:55 local (06:55 UTC)
- Place: Fellsmere, FL
- Coordinates: 27.760133, -80.590309 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.7601&lon=-80.5903&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31639
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA86LA165
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31639/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA86LA165

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Roll over, landing

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT HE HAD ABOUT 350 LBS OF FUEL ONBOARD WHEN HE TOOK OFF ON HIS 4TH NIGHT CROP DUSTING MISSION. HE INDICATED THAT EACH MISSION IS 6 TO 8 MINS IN DURATION AND THAT THE AVERAGE FUEL CONSUMPTION IS ABOUT 570 LBS PER HR. HE STATED THAT THE 20 MIN LOW FUEL LEVEL WARNING LIGHT HAD BEEN ON FOR 3 TO 5 MINS WHEN THE ENG FAILED. THE ACFT NOSED OVER DURING THE NIGHT FORCED LANDING ROLL. THE PLT STATED HE DID NOT THINK HE HAD RUN OUT OF FUEL BUT HE WAS NOT SURE. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE ACFT HAD PERFORMED NORMAL PRIOR TO THE ENG FAILURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3879G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3879G-1991-06-19), registration cancelled 1991-06-19, S/N 622053 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL UH-1B
- Registry model: [Bell-Colonial UH-1B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-colonial-uh-1b) (registry code 118141A) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 62-2053
- Airframe hours: 4990
- Engines: LYCOMING T-5311D 1150 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Colony Services, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 4, 1986, 30 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 2,837 total, 513 in this make and model, 2,501 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 260° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: VRB, 8 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 19860521019089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860521019089A), May 21, 1986: Bell UH1B, Fellsmere, FL, Destroyed. Fuel exhausted during spray operation. Aircraft rolled over after forced landing.

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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