Bell 206 N5QV

Summary

On 21 March 2025 at about 19:53 local time, a Bell 206 registered N5QV, operated by Helicopters Inc, was involved in an accident near Chamblee, Georgia, United States. 2 people were on board and one was seriously injured, 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 March 2025 at 19:53

Classification

Accident

Location

Chamblee, Georgia, United States

Nearest airport

Dekalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK)

Coordinates

33.8760, -84.3020

Aircraft

Bell 206

Registration

N5QV

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Helicopters Inc

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA25LA156

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during approach due to fuel exhaustion.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of the electronic news gathering helicopter reported that he departed the airport on a preplanned flight to obtain video footage at four locations. After filming the four locations, but before returning to the airport, the pilot was contacted via radio about filming a fifth location due to breaking news. While over the fifth location, the cockpit fuel pump caution light illuminated, and the pilot noticed a low fuel level but elected to return to the airport rather than land at a nearby city helipad. While over the airport ramp area at 100 to 150 ft above ground level, the engine “hiccupped” and then lost all power. The pilot attempted an autorotation, but the helicopter landed hard on the ramp area. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the fuselage. The inspector also noted that the fuel tanks were absent of fuel and the cockpit fuel gauge needle was below “E.”

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.