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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

October 10, 1998 · Hiller FH-1100 · N580RH

Fayette, MS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 10, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fayette, MS
Aircraft
Hiller FH-1100
Tail Number
N580RH
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL99LA006

According to the pilot, while making a 180 degree turn, the boost pump fail light came on. Shortly afterwards the engine shut down at about 150 feet AGL. He selected a field for an emergency landing and entered an autorotation. During the touchdown phase of the autorotation, the helicopter collided with a log and rolled over. According to the pilot, there was insufficient RPM to stop the roll over. Examination of the engine concluded that the fuel supply system had an air leak between the fuel tank and the engine driven fuel pump. Also both the airframe and engine fuel filters were clogged with an unidentifiable brownish, jelly-like substance. A review of the maintenance log revealed that the last 100 hour inspection was 98 hours before the accident. There were no further indications of any other maintenance done on the fuel system.

NTSB Probable Cause

The fuel filter contamination which resulted in the loss of engine power. The air leak in the fuel system was a factor.

Full Narrative

On October 10, 1998, at 1020 central daylight time, a Hiller FH-1100, N580RH, collided with a log, while attempting an emergency landing near Fayette, Mississippi. The aerial application flight was operated by Ward Aviation Incorporated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 137 with visual flight rules. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, with no flight plan filed. The commercial rated pilot was not injured, and the helicopter was substantially damaged. The flight departed Fayette, Mississippi, at 1007 of the same day. According to the pilot, while making a 180 degree turn, the boost pump fail light came on. Shortly afterwards the engine shutdown at about 150 feet AGL. He selected a field for an emergency landing and entered an autorotation. During the touchdown phase of the autorotation, the helicopter collided with a log and rolled over. The pilot also stated that there was insufficient RPM to stop roll over (see attached pilot statement). The examination of the engine and the fuel supply vacuum system disclosed that there was an air leak between the fuel tank and the engine driven fuel pump. Also both the airframe and engine fuel filters were clogged with an unidentifiable brownish, jelly-like substance. A review of the maintenance log revealed that the last 100 hour inspection was 98 hours before the accident. There were no further indications of any other maintenance done on the fuel system. (see attached inspector's report).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:20 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHiller FH-1100
Tail NumberN580RH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C-18 · Turboshaft · 317
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 50
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time14:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data