On January 16, 1985, a Hughes 369D (registration N58399) was involved in an aviation accident near Kahului,maui, HI. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced an engine flameout during approach due to fuel exhaustion after the fuel gauge and warning light indicated higher fuel quantities than actually present. The pilot performed an autorotation to a rocky area.
Accident Overview
Approximately 1.4 hours into a local photographic flight, the pilot observed the fuel gauge indicating 125 pounds of fuel remaining. Deciding to return to the airport for additional fuel, the pilot proceeded. As the fuel gauge approached just under 100 pounds during the approach, the engine flamed out. The pilot subsequently executed an autorotation to a rocky clear area.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the aircraft's fuel system revealed that the fuel tank was empty. Both the fuel gauge and the fuel warning light were found to indicate higher quantities than the actual fuel level in the tank. The pilot did not visually check the fuel quantity during the preflight inspection.
Findings
The investigation identified that the fuel quantity indicating system provided erroneous readings, showing fuel when the tank was empty. The pilot relied on these indications without a visual confirmation of the fuel level before departure.