Bell 206 N19TV accident near Walkerton, Indiana

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.

NTSB analysis

While performing an aerial application flight, the helicopter experienced a partial loss of engine power when the pilot advanced engine power to reverse course. The helicopter was substantially damaged during the forced landing when it contacted trees and landed hard. A postaccident examination of the helicopter’s engine found evidence of fuel contamination due to water and a non-ferrous material in the engine driven fuel pump/filter, fuel control unit, and fuel nozzle. The fuel control unit operated outside of acceptable limits during postaccident testing.

The airframe was stored outside and subjected to the elements after the accident; however, the location of the water and debris in the engine were in areas where contamination from the elements cannot normally collect. It could not be determined when the contamination occurred or whether it originated within the company’s fuel truck tank or within the helicopter’s fuel tank.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19LA309 for the full record.