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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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March 25, 1995 · Hughes 369HS · N3961H

Burnet, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 25, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Burnet, TX
Aircraft
Hughes 369HS
Tail Number
N3961H
Operator
C F C Aviation Ranch
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW95LA146

WHILE CONDUCTING AN AIR TOUR FLIGHT AT AN AIR SHOW, THE PILOT FUELED THE TURBINE POWERED HELICOPTER WHICH NORMALLY USES JET 'A' FUEL. THE FACILITY WHERE HE WAS HAD ONLY 100LL AVIATION GASOLINE SO HE ADDED 15 GALLONS TO THE LESS THAN 10 GALLONS OF JET FUEL ON BOARD. TWENTY TWO MINUTES INTO THE FLIGHT, TO A FACILITY WHERE JET FUEL WAS AVAILABLE, THE HELICOPTER HAD A PARTIAL POWER LOSS AND THE PILOT PERFORMED AN AUTOROTATION WHICH TERMINATED IN A HARD LANDING. ACCORDING TO THE OPERATING MANUAL, JET FUEL AND AVIATION GASOLINE MAY BE MIXED; HOWEVER, WHEN THIS IS DONE THE FUEL BOOST PUMP MUST BE USED WHILE OPERATING. THE PILOT DID NOT HAVE THE FUEL BOOST PUMP ON.

NTSB Probable Cause

FAILURE BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM DURING THE AUTOROTATION AND HIS DELAYED FLARE. A FACTOR WAS: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO USE THE FUEL BOOST PUMP WHILE USING AVIATION GASOLINE VICE JET FUEL.

Full Narrative

On March 25, 1995, at 1400 central standard time, a Hughes 369HS helicopter, N3961H, sustained substantial damage during an autorotation approximately 11 miles north of Burnet, Texas, following a loss of power. The pilot and two passengers received no injuries and no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for this local area sightseeing flight. The flight departed Llano, Texas, 22 minutes prior to the accident. The pilot was providing air tour rides at an air show at Llano and was in need of fuel for the helicopter. He had less than 10 gallons of Jet A on board and Llano did not have jet fuel. According to available information, the pilot added 15 gallons of 100 LL aviation gasoline and took off for Burnet where he could get jet fuel. Approximately 22 minutes into the flight, according to the pilot, a partial power loss occurred and the pilot conducted a full autorotation which terminated in a "hard landing." According to the aircraft operating manual, a mix of jet fuel and aviation gasoline is allowed; however, when this is done the boost pump must be used during flight due to possible vaporization of the aviation gasoline upstream from the fuel control. The pilot did not utilize the boost pump. An examination of the engine was conducted at the facilities of the manufacturer. No evidence was found of preimpact damage which would have prevented the engine from operating.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHughes 369HS
Tail NumberN3961H
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorC F C Aviation Ranch
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20 · Turboshaft · 400
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 39 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 14 kt, gusting 26 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data