N5689B

Substantial
Minor

ENSTROM F-28CS/N: 487-2

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, February 26, 2011
NTSB Number
ERA11CA166
Location
Fort Pierce, FL
Event ID
20110226X81430
Coordinates
27.439346, -80.560928
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N5689B
Make
ENSTROM
Serial Number
487-2
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
F-28CEN28
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
DISK COPY INC
Address
659 W GRAND AVE
Status
Deregistered
City
LIMA
State / Zip Code
OH 45801-3503
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the helicopter stated that the fuel gauge indicated "one-eighth to one-quarter" full on takeoff. At an altitude of approximately 200 feet, the low fuel pressure light illuminated, followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot performed a 180-degree autorotation to a parking lot, and the helicopter landed hard, resulting in substantial damage to the left skid and tail boom. During postaccident examination, a Federal Aviation Administration inspector drained approximately 3 ounces of fuel from the gascolator. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter, and that he "ran it out of fuel" by "trusting the gauge."

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA11CA166