Summary
Circumstances:
The aircraft departed with full fuel tanks and had been airborne for approximately 25 minutes when the engine lost power. The pilot sustained back injuries in the subsequent forced landing. The investigation revealed that a threaded union which connected a drain line to the bottom of the carburettor fuel bowl had unwound, causing the bowl to drain. The engine then lost power due to fuel starvation.
Significant Factors:
The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident:
1. For reason(s) which could not be established, a drain line connected to the bottom of the carburettor fuel bowl had become loose, allowing fuel to leak from the bowl.
2. The engine lost power due to fuel starvation.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199003103 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 13/09/1990 |
| Location | Bungobine Station (22 km north of Mt Coolon) |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 10/04/1991 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Serious |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter Co |
|---|---|
| Model | 47 |
| Registration | VH-ORM |
| Serial number | 25076 |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | 20 km W Collinsville QLD |
| Destination | 30 km NW Mt Coolon QLD |
| Damage | Minor |