Hughes 369D helicopter ZK-HRV, engine failure and forced landing, near Tarawera, 30 April 2002
Status
Closed
Occurrence Date
Report Publication Date
Jurisdiction
NZ
Legacy Inquiry Number
02-005
On Tuesday 30 April 2002, at about 1630, New Zealand Helicopters Hughes 369D helicopter ZK-HRV was being flown on a scenic passenger flight from Mount Tarawera to the company base near Rotorua when engine trouble arose. Before the pilot could land the helicopter, the engine failed and he was forced to make an auto-rotational landing on difficult terrain, where the helicopter rolled over. None of the 4 occupants was injured in the accident.
The engine failed from oil starvation, following a fracture of a fitting in the oil line to the torque gauge.
A safety issue identified was the need for pilots and operators to better understand the torque gauge oil line system on this helicopter type.
The engine failed from oil starvation, following a fracture of a fitting in the oil line to the torque gauge.
A safety issue identified was the need for pilots and operators to better understand the torque gauge oil line system on this helicopter type.
Location
near Rotorua (-38.246640,176.381700) [may be approximate]