N4040P

On April 16, 1993, at about 1536 eastern daylight time, a Bell UH1F, N4040P was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain during an emergency landing near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The commercial pilot received minor injuries in the accident. The aircraft was owned and being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 by Ranger Helicopter Services, Incorporated of Roanoke, Virginia. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed for the positioning flight. The flight departed Greenville, Tennessee at about 1440, and was destined for Dalton, Georgia.

The pilot stated that, while in cruise flight at 800 feet, the aircraft engine lost power, and he was forced to execute an emergency landing. He stated that he observed a small road and attempted to land on the road. During the emergency landing, the aircraft hit trees and crashed into the terrain.

Inspection and test run of the engine revealed that the engine started and ran at slightly less than full rated power. There was a fuel leak at the fuel flow divider.

The fuel filters were removed and inspected, and small metal particles were found in the filters. The centrifical fuel purifier was found to be rotating in its housing.

The fuel control unit was removed and inspected, and small metal particles were found in the filter. None of the fuel jets were found to be plugged.