Summary
On 27 June 2007, at 17:30 UTC, a Robinson R44 helicopter registered CS-HFU (serial 11261, year 2006, powered by one Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 engine) was involved in an occurrence during a general aviation leisure flight. The route was from Moura to Odivelas, with a subsequent leg to Cascais. There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft.
Narrative
The flight departed Moura for Odivelas via the "Túnel Leste" route. While approaching Viana do Alentejo, the fuel filter warning light illuminated and began flashing. The pilot decided to return to Moura to wait for a maintenance team. After landing at Moura, the light extinguished and remained off for a reasonable period, so the pilot continued the flight.
Near Alcácer do Sal, the pilot contacted the Flight Information Service (FIS) requesting direct routing to Odivelas, citing fuel problems. The pilot was transferred to Lisbon Approach (LIS APP) and repeated the request, which was authorized due to low fuel levels.
While passing alongside Lisbon Airport, the fuel filter warning light came on again, but the pilot continued to Odivelas and landed. After landing, the light extinguished. Determining that sufficient fuel remained to proceed to Cascais Aerodrome (LPCS), the aircraft—now with a substitute pilot on board—contacted LIS APP three minutes after landing at Odivelas, requesting to fly at 1,200 feet to Cascais.
No records of the anomaly, investigation, or repair were presented.
Analysis
The information transmitted by the pilot to FIS indicated that a technical malfunction was encountered, and several landings and takeoffs were performed to assess the issue, resulting in low fuel. Under these conditions, it would have been more logical to proceed directly to Cascais rather than stopping at Odivelas.
It was noted as unusual that the same anomaly occurred twice at critical phases of the flight, yet no entries were made in the navigation log or technical maintenance log. Continuing the flight from Odivelas to Cascais without first investigating and repairing the anomaly was considered inadvisable.
No corrective action was referenced after landing at the base in Cascais, and the aircraft continued to operate without further issues.
Conclusions
No anomaly in the aircraft or its systems was confirmed. No records of investigation or correction of anomalies that could support the reported events were provided. The situation appeared to involve the use of emergency privileges for personal convenience, a matter beyond the scope of this technical report.