Summary
On 9 April 2008, the crew of a McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company MD369ER helicopter registered VH-PLU, experienced a substantial loss of engine power while conducting low-level powerline stringing operations. The helicopter impacted the ground and was seriously damaged. The two occupants were seriously injured.
The investigation determined that the pilot in command was operating the helicopter with a fuel tank quantity that did not guarantee continuous operation of the engine at the flight attitudes experienced during the powerline stringing operation.
As a result of the accident, the operator revised its fuel management procedures for powerline stringing operations.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2008-025 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 09/04/2008 |
| Location | Townsville |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 29/06/2009 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation level | Systemic |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Fuel starvation |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Serious |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | McDonnell Douglas Corp. |
|---|---|
| Model | 500 |
| Registration | VH-PLU |
| Serial number | 0384E |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Charter |