Investigation number
199600385
Occurrence date
State
Queensland
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Forced/precautionary landing
Occurrence class
Accident

The helicopter was being used to spread fertiliser over a sugar cane crop. The pilot reported that he was forced to jettison the underslung spreading hopper when the engine failed, soon after lifting off with a new load. Due to its proximity to the ground he was not able to manoeuvre the helicopter to avoid the hopper, during the autorotational landing. The helicopter came into contact with the hopper between the aft cluster and the lower tail boom support, bending these struts. The tailboom then flexed downward and the tailrotor blades contacted the ground. The pilot was not injured in the impact and was able to exit the helicopter safely. Post flight examination revealed an uncontained failure of the engine compressor. Several compressor blades had exited through the compressor outer case. The pilot said there was no prior warning with all engine temperatures and pressures indicating normal. The investigation was informed that the compressor was refitted to the helicopter 41.8 hours previously, after maintenance repairs and inspection.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Bell Helicopter Co
Model
47G-3B1
Registration
VH-UTY
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
Caloundra QLD
Destination
Caloundra QLD
Damage
Substantial