Thread: Helicopter cattle mustering engine failure mystery

Helicopters at risk of mid-air failure, federal regulator warns northern Australia operators - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Might have something to do with logging only half the hours flown

Wasn't that done by popping the circuit breaker or fuse to stop logging number of hours flown? Australia has a REALLY bad reputation for R22 accidents with supposed MTBF of parts going against the stats of the rest of the world. I have a friend who flies choppers offshore and will NEVER set foot in an Aussie R22 as he reckons it's a crapshoot safety-wise. This epic fail looks like it's more to do with the changed fuel type and not from operational usage though. Will just have to wait and see what the outcome is.

Originally Posted by cripesamighty

Wasn't that done by popping the circuit breaker or fuse to stop logging number of hours flown? Australia has a REALLY bad reputation for R22 accidents with supposed MTBF of parts going against the stats of the rest of the world. I have a friend who flies choppers offshore and will NEVER set foot in an Aussie R22 as he reckons it's a crapshoot safety-wise. This epic fail looks like it's more to do with the changed fuel type and not from operational usage though. Will just have to wait and see what the outcome is.

I wonder whether it has something to do with upgraded Fuel Tanks which as you may recall were very prone to fire in a crash situation. ie. Are they of a satisfactory design or were design changes made which created more problems with fuel supply?

They weren't allowed to fly unless the new Tanks were fitted.

Originally Posted by cripesamighty

This epic fail looks like it's more to do with the changed fuel type and not from operational usage though. Will just have to wait and see what the outcome is.

That's what I've read, an unannounced drop in TEL by the fuel supplier leading to valve seat cracking, valve burning, etc.

What about the licorice stick rotor blades that are susceptible to.......... just turning to licorice in flight?

Back in the really olden days my first flying job was fixed wing mustering. The bloke I worked for had 6 Hughes 300's, lovely little machines and a lot stronger than Robo toy 22. Many years after I went on to other flying he decided to get a Robo when they came out. He was the first fatality mustering in Robo. Blade pulled out, he had flown twice (4000 hours) the recomended replacement time when the aircraft self destructed. His stupidity caused his own demise but trouble was he took a Station manager with him into oblivion.
Casa knew what was going on, still do but they let things go. There are many ways time is not logged, will always go on. Fixed wing side they have almost regulated/fined/audited/priced and harrased GA out of existance, the saying "We're not happy till your not happy" would be funny if it wasn't so true.
This current problem does sound to be in the fuel system somewhere.

JEEEEEZUZ gearsticks! Oops, I nearly typed four candles. I hope that things have changed within CASA since then, because that really is some indictment on an organisation charged with the protection of the air travelling public let alone crews & pilots in general.
Is this what Dick Smith used to get all upset about?.