LAX87DVA05

Factual narrative

THE PLT REPORTED THAT BEFORE HE BEGAN THE AGRICULTURAL AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT HE NOTED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS INOPERATIVE. THE PLT COMPLETED TWO FLIGHTS, RETURNING TO THE LOADING AREA AFTER EACH FLIGHT. AFTER COMPLETING THE THIRD FLIGHT AND WHILE RETURNING TO THE LOADING AREA THE ENGINE SUSTAINED A TOTAL POWER LOSS. DURING THE ENSUING AUTOROTATION THE PLT FLARED TOO HIGH AND LOST TAIL ROTOR AUTHORITY. THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK A RISING EMBANKMENT AND THE HELICOPTER SUSTAINED A HARD LANDING ON ITS RIGHT SKID. THE POST-ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK AND THE FUEL CONTROL INLET LINES DID NOT CONTAIN ANY FUEL. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12