Summary
The pilot reported that the engine stopped without warning during cruise at 3000 feet. Restart attempts during an autorotation were unsuccessful. The helicopter was landed in a small clearing and the tail boom was severed. The investigation revealed particles of contaminant in the fuel control unit and the strainer drain system. However, it is not conclusive that this contaminant was the cause of the engine failure. No other defect was found which may have contributed to the engine failure.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 198503492 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 11/01/1985 |
| Location | 28 km West of Scartwater |
| Report release date | 15/05/1987 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Hughes Helicopters |
|---|---|
| Model | 269 |
| Registration | VH-KLQ |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Private |
| Departure point | Jumba 74 km W Scartwater QLD |
| Destination | Scartwater, 130 km SSE Charters Towers, QLD |
| Damage | Substantial |