NEW RICHMOND, IN, USA
N10002
TEXAS HELICOPTER OH-13H/M74A
A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WAS EXPERIENCED DURING THE AG FLIGHT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AT AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 75 TO 100 FT AGL. THE TAIL BOOM OF THE HELICOPTER CONTACTED THE GROUND DURING THE AUTOROTATION IN A CORN FIELD WHICH RESULTED IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE HELICOPTER. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE PILOT REPORTED HE VISUALLY CHECKED THE FUEL QUANTITY AGAINST THE FUEL GAUGES AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FLYING DAY. HE STATED THAT JUST PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT TAKEOFF, THE FUEL GAUGES INDICATED 10 TO 14 GALLONS OF FUEL REMAINED. THE HELICOPTER OWNER STATED THAT AT LOW FUEL LEVELS THE GAUGES WERE KNOWN TO BE UNRELIABLE.
THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF THE FUEL SUPPLY WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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