What happened
The helicopter experienced a total loss of power approximately ten minutes after takeoff from a nearby fishing vessel. Following the mechanical failure, the pilot attempted an emergency landing in the open ocean. The aircraft was successfully ditched at coordinates 11.25 degrees north latitude and 103.37 degrees west longitude.
The investigation
Investigators examined the fuel supply used by the helicopter and discovered significant contamination. Samples taken from the fuel system showed that both the upper and lower fuel filters were heavily clogged with water and other foreign material. This blockage prevented proper fuel flow to the engine, leading to the power loss.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the fuel exhaustion caused by the contaminated fuel supply. The presence of water and debris in the filters starved the engine of necessary fuel. Additionally, rough seas had been reported in the area for the three days preceding the incident, which likely complicated the emergency ditching procedure.