NTSB Factual Report

On March 8, 2000, at 1215 hours Pacific standard time, an Arrow Falcon OH-58A, N39FA, experienced a power loss and made a forced landing while taking off at Calipatria, California. The helicopter sustained substantial damage and the certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received serious injuries. The aircraft was being operated as an agricultural flight by Farm Air Services, Inc., under 14 CFR Part 137 when the accident occurred. The flight was originating from the Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport at the time of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed.

Witnesses said the pilot was taking off to the south from the operator's ramp and had reached an altitude of about 60 feet agl when the power loss occurred. At the time, he was approaching utility lines at the field boundary and chose to make a cyclic climb in order to clear them. After clearing the lines, he attempted to make an autorotative landing but lacked sufficient main rotor rpm to decelerate and cushion the landing. The aircraft landed hard, bounced, and spun laterally. In the process, the main rotor blades flexed down and severed the tailboom.

The postcrash inspection revealed that the fuel selector had been in the off position. The fuel filter was opened and only about 4 ounces of fuel was found in the bowl, which normally holds about 20 ounces. There were no traces of fuel found in the high pressure fuel filter. Both the N1 and N2 turbines rotated freely. The pilot did not recall moving any switches or levers before exiting the helicopter.

A pilot/operator report of the accident on NTSB Form 6120.1/2 was not received.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate checklist procedure prior to departure, which did not verify the fuel selector was in the proper position for flight, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor speed for an autorotative landing.