On September 30, 1983, a Hughes 369D (registration N5127X) operated by Why Not Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Indianapolis, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power was due to fuel starvation caused by a loose connection of the housing for the fuel shutoff valve control cable, which allowed the cable to move toward the closed position. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter lost engine power while cruising at 500 ft AGL. The pilot conducted an autorotative landing in a corn field, during which the tail boom was severed by main rotor blades. Investigation revealed a loose housing for the fuel shutoff valve control cable caused fuel starvation.
Incident Description
While cruising at approximately 500 feet above ground level, the helicopter's engine lost power. The pilot turned the aircraft into the wind and performed an autorotative landing in a corn field. During the landing, the main rotor blades severed the tail boom.
Investigation Findings
An examination of the helicopter revealed that the housing containing the control cable for the fuel shutoff valve was not secured to its attachment point on the mount. This loose connection allowed the housing to move away from the panel, which in turn pulled the control cable toward the closed position. The resulting fuel starvation caused the engine power loss.
Probable cause
The loss of engine power was due to fuel starvation caused by a loose connection of the housing for the fuel shutoff valve control cable, which allowed the cable to move toward the closed position.
What happened in the 30 Sept 1983 Hughes 369D accident near Indianapolis, IN?
A helicopter lost engine power while cruising at 500 ft AGL. The pilot conducted an autorotative landing in a corn field, during which the tail boom was severed by main rotor blades. Investigation revealed a loose housing for the fuel shutoff valve control cable caused fuel starvation.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Sept 1983 involved a Hughes 369D, registration N5127X, operated by Why Not Inc., at Indianapolis, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The loss of engine power was due to fuel starvation caused by a loose connection of the housing for the fuel shutoff valve control cable, which allowed the cable to move toward the closed position.
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