MC CORDSVILLE, IN, USA
N8069G
HUGHES 500D/369D
THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD DURING AN AUTOROTATIVE DESCENT WHILE ON A TEST FLT & CHOPPED OFF THE TAIL BOOM. THE PLT STATED HE LOST POWER AT 150 FT AGL & ENTERED AUTOROTATION. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE FUEL QUANTITY FLOAT HAD BECOME INTANGLED WITH THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL LINE. THIS RESULTED IN AN INDICATION OF 150 LBS OF FUEL ON THE FUEL GAUGE WHEN IN FACT THERE WAS NO FUEL IN THE TANKS, LINES OR FILTERS. THERE IS A WARNING IN THE MAINTENANCE MANUAL STATING THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL LINE SHOULD BE TIE WRAPPED TO THE FUEL LINE SO AS NOT TO INTERFERE WITH THE FLOAT.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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