Forced/precautionary landing involving a Hughes Helicopters 269A, VH-MAY, Brookdale Station, Queensland, on 30 May 1993

The pilot stated that he had just refuelled the aircraft. The subsequent engine start and take-off were normal. However, as the helicopter was accelerating through about 60 knots, the engine began to lose power, with decreasing RPM evident. As the pilot lowered the collective pitch control, the engine stopped. The pilot conducted an autorotation on to a road, but touched down in a high nose attitude and broke the right skid.

The engine had operated normally prior to the occurrence. The refuelling operation was the first from a newly opened drum but there was no indication of fuel contamination. Operation of the aircraft requires the fuel boost pump to be ON during take-off and landing and when flying below 140 metres above ground level. The pilot was not certain that he had switched the pump on before take-off. It is possible, therefore, that the engine failed due to fuel starvation.