NTSB Factual Report

On April 20, 2000, at 0900 eastern daylight time, a Hiller UH-12 helicopter, collided with trees while attempting an autorotation near Stonesboro, South Carolina. The aerial application flight was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 137 with no flight plan filed. The helicopter sustained substantial damage, and the commercial pilot was not injured. The flight initially departed the staging area in Stonesboro, South Carolina, at approximately 0830.

The pilot reported that he had completed two spray runs and was on the third operation when he experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot explained that, the truck used to support the spraying operation had been driven into a ditch and he was distracted by the truck driver's problem, and neglected to refuel the helicopter. Moments later, the engine loss power after the helicopter "ran out of fuel". The pilot selected an area for a forced landing. The pilot reported that, he entered an autorotative descent for the forced landing. During the final approach to the touchdown point, the tail rotor assembly collided with a tree.

The subsequent examination of the helicopter disclosed that there was only a trace of fuel in the fuel tanks. The pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the helicopter before the total loss of engine power. No mechanical malfunction or component failure with the helicopter was discovered during the post-accident examination.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper inflight decision not to refuel which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.