FORKS, WA, USA
N5225C
Hughes 369D
The helicopter lost engine power during an external load/logging operation, then it sustained substantial damage when it collided with trees during an emergency landing. Investigation revealed that fuel contamination disrupted the flow of fuel from the engine fuel nozzle(s). Test samples from the fuel supplier, storage tank, and the helicopter's fuel filter were provided by the operator to an independent laboratory. Testing showed that the fuel supplier's sample was free of contamination, but contamination was found in samples from the storage tank and the helicopter fuel filter.
On November 16, 1996, approximately 1500 Pacific standard time, a McDonnell Douglas 369D helicopter, N5225C, sustained substantial damage when it landed in trees after a loss of engine power. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The aircraft was involved in external load operations near Forks, Washington. No flight plan was filed for the local flight, which was conducted in visual meteorological conditions. The ELT did not actuate. According to FAA inspectors and manufacturer's representatives, the engine fuel nozzle collapsed from contamination of fuel. According to the operator, the contaminant was preliminarily identified as sugar/starch, possibly carboxymethyl cellulose. The operator contracted with Pacific Testing Laboratories to test samples from the fuel supplier, from the storage tank, and the helicopter's fuel filter. The testing found the fuel supplier's sample to be free of contamination, but found similar contamination in the storage tank and the helicopter fuel filter.
fuel contamination, which resulted in loss of engine power. Factors relating to the accident included: improper servicing of the helicopter, and a lack of suitable terrain for an emergency landing due to the proximity of trees.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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