N6468V

Substantial
None

HELIO H-295S/N: 1424

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
NTSB Number
ANC09CA091
Location
Koliganek, AK
Event ID
20090903X21623
Coordinates
59.796943, -157.171112
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
3
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

A loss of engine power during cruise flight due to water in the fuel, and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
HELIO
Serial Number
1424
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1970
Model / ICAO
H-295
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
6
FAA Model
H-295

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
PO BOX 425
City
BETHEL
State / Zip Code
AK 99559-0425
Country
United States

Analysis

The commercial pilot was on a Title 14, CFR Part 91, passenger flight in conjunction with his fish guiding business when the accident occurred. The pilot reported he was flying about 700 feet above ground level in his float-equipped, single-engine airplane, when he began transferring fuel from the auxiliary fuel tank to the main fuel tank, and the engine quit. After a failed attempt to restart the engine, he said he was forced to land the airplane on the tundra. The pilot said there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. He further reported that it had been raining for several days, and he should have sumped the fuel tanks prior to takeoff. He also stated that he should have initiated the fuel transfer at a higher altitude over terrain that was suitable for landing. He said the float attachments and the fuselage were damaged during the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC09CA091