Investigation: 198703511 - Hiller UH-12E, VH-FFT, Bulleringa Station (70 km NNE Georgetown) QLD, 2 October 1987

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The aircraft was cruising at an altitude of about 300 feet above ground level when the pilot heard a loud bang, then felt a severe vibration. The engine continued to operate for about two to three seconds before stopping. Because of the unsuitable terrain over which the aircraft was flying, the pilot was forced to land into trees and the aircraft rolled on its side. An inspection of the engine found that the number 3 connecting rod had failed. The failure was initiated by galling between the big end bearing and the connecting rod, inducing a fatigue failure of the connecting rod. Specialist opinion indicates that the engine was improperly rebuilt following a bulk strip some 200 hours earlier, in that excessive clearance was permitted between the crankshaft and big end bearing.

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General details
Date:	02 October 1987	Investigation status:	Completed
Time:	1050	Investigation type:	Occurrence Investigation
Location:	Bulleringa Station (70 km NNE Georgetown)
State:	Queensland
Release date:	11 April 1988	Occurrence category:	Accident
Report status:	Final	Highest injury level:	Serious

Aircraft details
Aircraft manufacturer:	Hiller Aviation
Aircraft model:	UH-12
Aircraft registration:	VH-FFT
Serial number:	5116
Type of operation:	Aerial Work
Damage to aircraft:	Substantial
Departure point:	Red R Camp (65 km N Georgetown) QLD
Departure time:	N/K
Destination:	Red R Camp (65 km N Georgetown) QLD