LE SUEUR, MN, USA
N4251A
BELL 47D1
DURING A SPRAYING OPERATION, THE AIRCRAFT WAS BEING REFUELED FROM A 200 GAL FUEL TANK, MOUNTED ON THE REAR OF A TRUCK. THE TRUCK WAS PARKED ON A SLIGHT SLOPE WITH THE OUTLET FOR THE SERVICING HOSE AT THE LOWER END. AFTER THE HELICOPTER WAS SERVICED WITH 14 GALLONS OF FUEL, THE PILOT SPRAYED A 4 ACRE FIELD AND BEGAN SPRAYING A 47 ACRE FIELD. WHILE IN A SWATH RUN AT 4 TO 6 FT AGL, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT DUMPED HIS LOAD AND LANDED STRAIGHT AHEAD. THE HELICOPTER TURNED ABOUT 180 DEGREES WHILE SLIDING TO A STOP. DURING THIS TIME, THE SKIDS BUCKLED AND THE MAIN ROTOR, TAIL BOOM, AND CANOPY BUBBLE WERE DAMAGED. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, WATER WAS FOUND IN THE CARBURETOR.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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