N802KA

Substantial
None

BELL 206BS/N: 1664

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, February 10, 2013
NTSB Number
WPR13CA120
Location
Shandon, CA
Event ID
20130210X63012
Coordinates
35.939445, -120.212219
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

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

Aircraft Information

Registration
N802KA
Make
BELL
Serial Number
1664
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Model / ICAO
206BB06
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Analysis

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.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR13CA120