Hughes 269C, VH-THV, 31 km south-west of Hay Point, Queensland, on 30 August 1990

Circumstances:

The aircraft began the outbound flight with full tanks and an anticipated endurance of 312 minutes. On the return flight, at about 90 kilometres from the destination, the low fuel warning light illuminated. The pilot landed at a property close by and added 30 litres of fuel to the helicopter before continuing the flight. However, the engine failed due to fuel exhaustion some 20 kilometres from the destination. During the subsequent forced landing, which occurred 14 minutes after last light, the helicopter rolled over.

Significant Factors:

The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident:

1. The pilot miscalculated the fuel consumption rate.

2. The pilot did not land before last light.

3. He did not land before fuel was exhausted.

4. The engine failed due to fuel exhaustion.

5. A forced landing was conducted on unsuitable terrain.