Hiller UH-12E, VH-FBF, Yatton Property, 120 km North of Blackwater QLD, 7 December 1983

198300074

Summary

While cruising at 150 feet agl and 40 knots the engine failed. During the subsequent attempted autorotational landing the pilot tried to turn the helicopter into wind but a heavy landing resulted while the helicopter was still drifting to the right. The landing skid attachments collapsed and the main rotor and tail rotor struck the ground as the helicopter bounced and tilted to the right. The engine failed due to fuel exhaustion. A wasp nest had blocked the fuel vent line and the fuel gauge was reading in error because the fuel cell had partially collapsed.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198300074
Occurrence date 07/12/1983
Location Yatton Property, 120 km North of Blackwater
Report release date 13/08/1984
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Hiller Aviation
Model UH-12
Registration VH-FBF
Operation type Aerial Work
Departure point Yatton QLD
Destination Yatton QLD
Damage Substantial