Accident report: Hot refuelling with gasoline
NTSB Identification: CEN09LA324
14 CFR Part 137: Agricultural
Accident occurred Saturday, May 30, 2009 in Kyle, TX
Aircraft: BELL 47G, registration: N4823
Injuries: 1 Serious.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On May 30, 2009, about 1200 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-2 helicopter, N4823, burned during refueling operations at a remote field location near Kyle, Texas. The helicopter was being operated by Hardtime Helicopters, D’Hanis, Texas, as a local area visual flight rules (VFR) agricultural application flight, under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 137. The pilot, who was the only person onboard, sustained serious injuries. The helicopter was substantially damaged by the fire. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed.
In a written statement, the pilot reported he was belted in the pilot seat during “hot refueling” operations with the engine and rotor system operating at ground idle. The ground crew left the fuel nozzle unattended to correct a fuel flow problem and straightened a kinked fuel hose. The nozzle then began spraying gasoline on the engine and the pilot and quickly ignited. The fuel spray from the nozzle continued for several seconds and then stopped. The pilot exited the helicopter unassisted and extinguished the flames on his body and arms by slapping with his hands. The cockpit area and engine and transmission area of the helicopter became fully engulfed in flames. No attempts were made to extinguish the fire.
The wreckage was released to the owner.