N802KA – BELL 206B – 2013-02-10 NTSB Accident Report

On February 10, 2013, a Bell 206B (N802KA) was involved in an incident near Shandon, CA. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

The pilot reported that he intended to spray an agricultural field and was maneuvering in preparation for his first pass when the helicopter lost engine power. The pilot subsequently accomplished a forced landing to an open field. During the landing sequence, the helicopter’s main rotor blades flexed down and made contact with the tailboom, which resulted in substantial damage to the tailboom assembly. The pilot reported that after the landing he discovered the fuel selector valve in the off position. He reported that he had turned the fuel selector valve to the off position to drain the fuel sump during the preflight; however, failed to re-open the valve after the preflight and prior to takeoff.

This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR13CA120. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N802KA.