Brawley, CA, USA
N436SD
Bell OH-58C
The helicopter was engaged in agricultural aerial application. During a swath run over a field it descended and hit the ground. The post crash inspection revealed contaminants in the fuel system. Lack of engine rotational signatures were also noted. The source of the fuel contamination was not identified.
On January 18, 2000, about 1630 hours Pacific standard time, a Bell OH-58C, N436SD, collided with flat agricultural terrain while spraying a field in Brawley, California. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and the certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The aircraft was being operated by Ag Flite, Inc., as an aerial application flight under 14 CFR Part 137 when the accident occurred. The flight originated from a mobile helipad located at the work site about 1628 on the afternoon of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he was making a turn about 10 feet above ground level when the aircraft struck the ground. He said that he did not recall experiencing any problems prior to the crash. No other witnesses have been identified. An inspection of the wreckage revealed contamination in the fuel system. A fibrous material was found through the system including the high pressure fuel filter. The Federal Aviation Administration report stated that there was a lack of rotational signatures in the engine. The operator did not provide a written report of the accident on NTSB Form 6120.1/2.
The fuel system contamination that resulted in a loss of engine power during aerial application and a subsequent collision with the ground.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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