Bell 206B N133RT

Summary

On 21 July 2004 at about 13:24 local time, a Bell 206B registered N133RT was involved in an accident near East Cameron 13, United States. 3 people were 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

21 July 2004 at 13:24

Classification

Accident

Location

East Cameron 13, United States

Nearest airport

Air Logistics Heliport (LA53)

Coordinates

29.5889, -92.9264

Aircraft

Bell 206B

Registration

N133RT

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Vermillion 218 → Grand Chenier

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW04LA197

1 person had minor injuries.

The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors were the fuel quantity gauge's improper fuel level indication, missing instrument placard, company maintenance personnel's improper maintenance records, disregard for company procedures, and the inadequate surveillance by company personnel.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The 21,440-hour pilot reported that during cruise flight in the turbine powered single-engine helicopter, the engine lost power. The pilot initiated an autorotation to the water. Examination of the helicopter revealed no anomalies with the airframe or engine. Approximately 47 gallons of fluid was drained from the main fuel cell of the helicopter, of which approximately one quart of the fluid was consistent with fuel. The pilot who flew the helicopter during the previous flight informed company maintenance personnel about fuel quantity gauge indicating a higher fuel level and was inaccurate. Review of company records indicated company maintenance personnel placed an order for a fuel quantity gauge for the accident aircraft the day before the accident. The pilot of the accident flight recently had come on duty and this was his first flight in the accident aircraft. The pilot reported to the inspector that he did not observe any discrepancies noted regarding the airworthiness of the helicopter. Review of the aircraft maintenance records revealed no entries were made regarding the inaccurate fuel quantity gauge. Examination of the helicopter revealed there were no placards for the fuel quantity gauge being inoperative.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.