Investigation number
199002002
Occurrence date
Location
"Barra", 10 km west of Boomi
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The aircraft was engaged in spreading fertiliser over a cotton crop, during which it was refueled to "almost full" with MOGAS from a bulk tank. More flights were made until, after flying for about 110 minutes, the engine lost power shortly after take off, at a height of about 100 feet. The loss of power was accompanied by a loss of fuel pressure. Attempts to restore fuel pressure using the hand pump were unsuccessful and the aircraft was landed in a wooded area beyond the end of the strip end. The engine, landing gear and fuel drains were torn out during the landing. The pilot suspected the engine had suffered fuel starvation due to contamination found in the bulk tank, which had not been used for the previous three months. No fuel remained on board after the accident as a result of fuel drain damage. The fuel filters were later found to be free of any significant contamination.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Rockwell International
Model
S-2
Registration
VH-DQN
Serial number
1811R
Operation type
Aerial Work
Departure point
"Barra" NSW
Departure time
1314
Destination
"Barra" NSW
Damage
Substantial