Bell 47-D-1 N322A

Summary

On 2 April 1992 at about 20:15 local time, a Bell 47-D-1 registered N322A, operated by Darre J. Ward, was involved in an accident near Fayette, Mississippi, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

2 April 1992 at 20:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Fayette, Mississippi, United States

Coordinates

31.7103, -91.0590

Aircraft

Bell 47-D-1

Registration

N322A

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Darre J. Ward

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA92LA102

1 person had minor injuries.

THE PILOT IN COMMANDS FAILURE TO INSURE THE PROPER FUEL QUANTITY FOR THE FLIGHT WAS PLACED ON THE AIRCRAFT AND HIS FAILURE TO MONITOR FUEL QUANTITY DURING FLIGHT RESULTING IN FUEL EXHAUSTION.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

PLT STATED THAT HE TOPPED THE FUEL TANKS TO THE 29 GALLON LEVEL PRIOR TO FLIGHT. ONE HOUR AFTER TAKEOFF THE ENG QUIT. HE STATED THE FUEL STRAINER DRAIN HAD LEAKED CAUSING FUEL EXHAUSTION AND LOSS OF POWER. TWO FAA INSPECTORS WHO INSPECTED THE ACFT AFTER THE ACCIDENT FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF PRE OR POST CRASH FUEL LEAKAGE. THE FUEL STRAINER DRAIN VALVE WAS FOUND TO OPERATE NORMALLY WITH NO EVIDENCE OF LEAKAGE.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.