Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 80; Flight Crew Total 420; Flight Crew Type 350
Distraction; Human-Machine Interface; Situational Awareness; Time Pressure; Training / Qualification; Workload
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Company Policy; Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure; Human Factors
At the beginning of the shift I performed the pre-flight inspection of the aircraft and noted that the fuel level was down below 300 LBS and was going to need to be topped off. Normally when an aircraft is left down fuel the crew leaving it down is supposed to leave a placard on the instrument panel; alerting other crews of the fuel situation. In this case there was no placard left on the panel. Due to the hot weather; I performed the pre-flight inspection in my civilian clothes (shorts and T-shirt). Once I pushed the aircraft out of the hangar; I decided it would be better to fuel the aircraft once I had my flight suit and boots on; in case fuel was spilled while fueling. I left the aircraft without a placard on the panel and went inside to change my clothes. Once I changed into my flight suit; I was distracted by administrative details inside the office and forgot to go back out and fuel the aircraft. Approximately one hour later; we were requested for a mission so we took off and I failed to note the reduced fuel state. I then mistakenly believed I had a full tank of fuel and I was only planning on flying for one hour. A full take of fuel will normally allow two hours of flight time; with a reserve. About one hour into the flight I noticed a yellow caution light on the instrument panel briefly flicker. I pressed the 'Test' button and realized the light I saw flicker was the 'Low Fuel' caution light. I looked down at the fuel gauge and noticed that the fuel gauge was indicating below 100 pounds of fuel. I immediately realized that I had forgotten to fuel the aircraft prior to departure. I immediately turned the aircraft toward the airport and reduced power. The caution light stayed off for a few seconds and then it flickered again. I decided to make a precautionary landing in a suitable area; rather than risk having a flame out of the engine trying to make it back to the airport. Just before landing; the low fuel light came on and remained illuminated. After landing and a normal engine shutdown; we retrieved 15 gallons of fuel from our fuel facility and fueled the aircraft. I checked and noted that we had approximately 150 LBS of fuel; which was more than adequate to safely make it back to the airport. I flew the aircraft back to the airport without incident. I topped off the fuel tank at the hangar and the aircraft took a total of 45.2 gallons of fuel. Human Performance Considerations: Issue #1. Upon noting the low fuel state during the pre-flight; I should have immediately put fuel in the aircraft; so it was mission ready. The reason I did not put fuel in the aircraft was because I felt I wasn't wearing the proper clothing to safely refuel the aircraft. Solution #1. To alleviate this situation in the future; I should always pre-flight the aircraft in the proper clothing; so if the aircraft needs to be serviced I will be able to take care of the situation immediately. Another option is I could have left a placard on the panel; upon noticing the low fuel state; which would have reminded me; prior to take off that the fuel level was low. Issue #2. It was the first time in a while that I have flown this particular aircraft. This aircraft has a different panel layout than all of our other aircraft. The fuel gauge is a different type and in a completely different location on the panel on this aircraft. I believe this contributed to the fact that I wasn't picking-up the fuel gauge in my scan of the instrument panel. Solution #2. I must realize and make a conscious effort to adjust my instrument scan when flying this aircraft; to make sure I am not forgetting to monitor the aircraft fuel level.
A Police Helicopter pilot failed to fuel the aircraft after becoming distracted by administrative and mission events so made a precautionary landing for fuel before returning to base.