Investigation number
199801249
Occurrence date
Location
8 km south-west of Walkerville
State
Victoria
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Forced/precautionary landing
Occurrence class
Accident
The pilot reported that the engine stopped in the cruise at about 600 ft. He entered autorotation and landed in low trees and scrub. The engine stopped because the crank shaft drive gear bolt failed due to hydrogen embrittlement. When the bolt failed drive to the accessories was lost. The manufacturer has verbally assured CASA that this was an isolated instance of a bolt failure.
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Robinson Helicopter Co
Model
R44
Registration
VH-OCT
Operation type
Private
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
Lilydale Vic.
Destination
Hobart Tas.
Damage
Substantial