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NTSB Report
February 15, 1985 · Hughes 369D · N58395
Hilo, HI
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 15, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Hilo, HI
Aircraft
Hughes 369D
Tail Number
N58395
Operator
Sunair Copters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX85FJA03
THE HELICOPTER TAIL BOOM WAS DAMAGED BY THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES DURING A FORCED AUTOROTATIVE LANDING. THE PLT REPORTED THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AT AN ALT OF 4500 FT MSL, THE ENG N2 DROPPED TO 92% AND APRX 15 SECONDS LATER, THE ENG FLAMED OUT. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE HELICOPTER WAS FUELED WITH AVGAS INSTEAD OF TURBINE FUEL JUST PRIOR TO TAKEOFF. THE ENG OPERATING MANUAL APPROVES OF THIS FUEL SUBSTITUTION IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, HOWEVER, IT ADVISED THAT WHEN AVGAS IS USED, THE FUEL BOOST PUMP MUST BE LEFT ON. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO RECALL WHETHER OR NOT THE PUMP WAS ON.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER TAIL BOOM WAS DAMAGED BY THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES DURING A FORCED AUTOROTATIVE LANDING. THE PLT REPORTED THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AT AN ALT OF 4500 FT MSL, THE ENG N2 DROPPED TO 92% AND APRX 15 SECONDS LATER, THE ENG FLAMED OUT. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE HELICOPTER WAS FUELED WITH AVGAS INSTEAD OF TURBINE FUEL JUST PRIOR TO TAKEOFF. THE ENG OPERATING MANUAL APPROVES OF THIS FUEL SUBSTITUTION IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, HOWEVER, IT ADVISED THAT WHEN AVGAS IS USED, THE FUEL BOOST PUMP MUST BE LEFT ON. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO RECALL WHETHER OR NOT THE PUMP WAS ON.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:50 HST
Nearest Airport5nm NW
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 369D
Tail NumberN58395
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSunair Copters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 4398
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO