Summary
On final approach to land the helicopter in a clearing to refuel, the engine misfired and stopped. During the subsequent autorotation, the pilot managed to restart the engine. The engine faltered again on late final approach. The pilot attempted to stretch the glide to the clearing and managed to land the helicopter clear of the trees. The run-on landing was heavy. The pilot who was the only occupant, was able to exit the helicopter safely.
The skid gear and lower fuselage of the helicopter were damaged. The tail rotor drive was struck by the main rotor during the run-on landing.
The pilot confirmed that the helicopter had run out of fuel.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199601002 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 30/03/1996 |
| Location | 57 km north-east of Augathelia (ALA) |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 03/09/1996 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Fuel exhaustion |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki Heavy Industries |
|---|---|
| Model | 47G3B-KH4 |
| Registration | VH-AHQ |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | General Aviation |
| Departure point | Roma QLD |
| Destination | Blackall QLD |
| Damage | Substantial |