Baxley, GA, USA
N89ZC
HUGHES 369
According to the pilot, the helicopter lost engine power less than a minute after takeoff and rolled over onto its left side during the subsequent autorotation. The pilot stated that the cause of the loss of engine power was because the “main fuel valve was pulled causing fuel starvation to the engine.” He also stated that there was no mechanical malfunction with the helicopter.
On November 6, 2009, about 1130 eastern standard time, a Hughes 369D helicopter, N89ZC, registered to Extreme Helicopters Inc, crashed into a field while conducting an autorotation following a loss of engine power, in Baxley, Georgia. The certificated private pilot was not injured, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The flight was operated as a personal flight under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91, and no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was originating from a private residence in Baxley, Georgia. According to the pilot, the helicopter lost power less than a minute after takeoff. The helicopter rolled over onto its left side during the subsequent autorotation, substantially damaging the main rotor blades and airframe. The pilot further stated that the cause of the loss of engine power was that the “main fuel valve was pulled causing fuel starvation to the engine." Examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector found the helicopter on its left side, with damage to the main rotor blades and tail rotor.
A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation resulting from the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the main fuel valve position.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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