On July 25, 1991, an Aerospatiale AS350B (registration N766MP) operated by Papillon Airways, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Kahului, HI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A NON-MECHANICAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION AND SUBSEQUENT HARD LANDING BY THE PILOT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS A MALFUNCTIONING FUEL LOW LEVEL INDICATION SYSTEM. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A sightseeing helicopter performed a hard landing on sloping terrain during autorotation following a total loss of engine power. Examination revealed 2 gallons of fuel remaining, a malfunctioning low fuel indicator, and no mechanical failures.
Incident Overview
A sightseeing helicopter experienced a total loss of engine power and subsequently performed an autorotation landing onto sloping terrain. The landing was hard.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the event, examination of the helicopter found approximately 2 gallons of fuel remaining in the tanks. After fuel was added, the engine started normally, and no mechanical failures or malfunctions were noted.
Fuel Quantity Indication System
The fuel quantity indication system was examined and revealed a malfunction of the low fuel indicator light. The helicopter had been airborne for about 45 minutes prior to the incident.
What happened in the 25 Jul 1991 Aerospatiale AS350B accident near Kahului, HI?
A sightseeing helicopter performed a hard landing on sloping terrain during autorotation following a total loss of engine power. Examination revealed 2 gallons of fuel remaining, a malfunctioning low fuel indicator, and no mechanical failures.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Jul 1991 involved an Aerospatiale AS350B, registration N766MP, operated by Papillon Airways, Inc., at Kahului, HI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A NON-MECHANICAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION AND SUBSEQUENT HARD LANDING BY THE PILOT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS A MALFUNCTIONING FUEL LOW LEVEL INDICATION SYSTEM.
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