Hughes 369HS N340EM

Summary

On 24 February 1997 at about 17:05 local time, a Hughes 369HS registered N340EM was involved in an accident near Marion, Ohio, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

24 February 1997 at 17:05

Classification

Accident

Location

Marion, Ohio, United States

Coordinates

40.5792, -83.1208

Aircraft

Hughes 369HS

Registration

N340EM

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Business

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Port Huron → Marysville

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

IAD97LA051

Nobody was injured.

Uncovering of the fuel tanks outlet, which resulted in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power. A related factor was the unsuitable terrain.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot had the fuel tank topped off 9 days before the accident and flew the helicopter for 15 minutes. On the day of the accident he added an additional 5 gallons. About 1 1/2 hours after takeoff the engine lost power. The pilot autorotated to a field and landed hard. Examination of the engine did not reveal any engine abnormalities or malfunctions. The helicopter's total fuel capacity was 64 gallons, of which 63.4 gallons was useable. When the helicopter was leveled and electrical power applied, the low fuel light was illuminated, and 5 3/4 gallons were pumped out by the fuel boost pump. According to the helicopter's flight manual, at low fuel level, sideslip may cause the fuel tank outlet to become uncovered causing fuel starvation. A review of the pilot's log book revealed that he was not helicopter rated, but had a helicopter solo endorsement that expired about 60 days prior to the accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.