Bell 47G2 N11VH accident, Roosevelt, WA, Jul 2, 1985 · NTSB SEA85LA155

Sequence of events

NTSB’s coding before 2008: each occurrence and phase of flight, and the causes and factors under it. The codes are defined in NTSB’s coding manual.

Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanicalManeuvering - aerial application

Engine instruments,fuel quantity gage - incorrectFactor

Preflight planning/preparation - inadequatePilot in commandCause

Forced landingLanding - flare/touchdown

Hard landingLanding

Terrain condition - risingFactor

Analysis

A total loss of power occurred while on a CFR 137 flight, due to fuel exhaustion. Although the fuel gauge showed 1/2 tank of fuel, the pilot failed to visually check the fuel prior to this flight. During autorotation onto a wheat field a hard landing occurred substantially damaging the tail boom.

Aircraft

Registration: N11VH
Reported as: Bell 47G2
Category: Helicopter
Serial number: 2027
Airframe hours: 9,017
Engine: Lycoming VO-435-A1B, 240 horsepower, reciprocating
Damage: Substantial damage
Flight: Aerial application · Part 137
Registered owner: Vali Copters, Inc.
Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
Last inspection: 100 hour · June 10, 1985
Departed: Roosevelt, WA
Destination: Roosevelt, WA
Airport: None

N11VHRegistration cancelled Jul 19, 2011 · Bell 47G-2S/N 2027 · Built 1958 Airframe modelBell 47G-2 Engine modelLycoming VO-435 seriesReciprocating

Matched to the registry by N-number and the event date; the registry’s history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

Role: Pilot
Age: 46
Certificates: Commercial, Private
Airplane ratings: Single-engine land
Medical: Class 2, Valid Medical--no waivers/lim.
Seat: Left
Flight hours: 6,000 total · 4,150 in this make and model · 150 in the last 90 days

Weather

Conditions: Visual (VMC) · Day
Wind: 270° at 2 knots
Visibility: 15 statute miles
Lowest ceiling: None
Temperature: 88 °F

Other investigations on N11VH · 6

Matched to the same aircraft by N-number and date.

NTSB SEA99LA149Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBenton City, WAA loss of power for undetermined reasons and the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate rotor RPM following the power loss. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of certification and total experience.Aug 26, 1999 · Destroyed NTSB SEA86LA143Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportZillah, WAEn route to the local spray area a total loss of power occurred along with a loss of oil pressure. The acft was aprx 200 ft AGL over a pear orchard. The plt was attempting to autorotate onto a nearby road but the left skid caught the roof top of a metal shed.…Jun 12, 1986 · Destroyed NTSB SEA84LA132Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBuena, WAMain rotor blades contacted a wind machine during an aerial application flt. Helicopter settled into trees and rolled over. Plt said he knew the machine was there but had forgotten.Jun 14, 1984 · Substantial damage NTSB SEA82DA072Accident · No injuriesFinal reportGrandview, WAWhile dispensing herbicide (systox) over an apple orchard the pilot sensed that the engine was binding followed by a power loss. The pilot elected to dump the herbicide and performed a power-off autorotation landing in a grape vineyard. Investigation revealed…May 18, 1982 · Substantial damage NTSB SEA82DA050Accident · No injuriesFinal reportLyle, WADuring takeoff with a load of fertilizer, insufficient power was available to maintain engine and rotor RPM and sustain flight. The pilot dumped the load, but was unable to avoid ground contact. The tail rotor struck first and separated from the aircraft. The…Apr 10, 1982 · Substantial damage NTSB FTW74FPJ06Accident · 1 fatalClosedSpringer, OKAug 16, 1973 · Substantial damage