Casualties unknown

1990-04-15: Hughes 369HS (N9138F) — Neveri, Inc. — Junction, TX

Junction, TX, US

On April 15, 1990, a Hughes 369HS (registration N9138F) operated by Neveri, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Junction, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S INADEQUATE EXECUTION OF THE AUTOROTATION FOLLOWING A ENGINE FAILURE WHICH RESULTED FROM HIS FAILURE TO REFUEL THE AIRCRAFT WITH THE PROPER GRADE OF FUEL WHEN HE RAN SHORT DURING THE FLIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft landed hard and rolled over during a forced landing following an engine flameout and autorotation. The pilot had flight-planned for a shorter distance, encountered fog, and used incorrect fuel mixtures at two ranches.

Flight Planning and Weather

The pilot flight-planned the ferry flight for a distance of 162 nautical miles, although the actual distance was 258 nautical miles. No weather briefing was obtained prior to departure. During the flight, the pilot encountered fog and low ceilings, which required a precautionary landing. After the fog cleared, the pilot took off, flew around for approximately 20 minutes, and proceeded on course.

En Route Refueling

The pilot encountered headwinds and was forced to stop at two local ranches to add fuel. At the first ranch, a mixture of diesel and autogas was used. At the second ranch, only autogas was added.

Engine Failure and Forced Landing

After takeoff from the second refueling site, the engine flamed out at about 200 feet above ground level. The pilot performed an autorotation and executed a forced landing. During the landing, the aircraft touched down hard and rolled over.

Fuel Analysis

Fuel samples taken from the aircraft were analyzed and found to consist of 10% Jet-A and 90% autogas. This mixture did not match the 2:1 ratio of Jet-A to autogas specified in the engine maintenance manual.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22925. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.