CHI98LA293

The accident occurred during a test flight after an annual inspection. The pilot reported that after takeoff at an altitude of about 300 feet above the ground with an airspeed of 50 miles per hour, the engine lost power. He performed an autorotation during which he turned to avoid obstacles. The helicopter impacted the terrain and rolled over. Post accident inspection revealed the fuel pump contained corrosion. The fuel injector contained a white powdery substance in almost every port. The fuel injector finger screen was also corroded.

On July 31, 1998, at 1240 central daylight time (cdt), a Hughes 269A, N101KT, registered to Kansas State University Salina, of Salina, Kansas, was substantially damaged following a loss of engine power and subsequent autorotation at the Salina Municipal Airport. The airline transport rated pilot received serious injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight originated at the Salina Muncipal Airport shortly before the accident.

An annual inspection had just been completed on the helicopter and the pilot was performing a maintenance test flight at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that he had made several takeoffs and landings without incident. He reported that he made a departure into the wind and at an altitude of about 300 feet above the ground with an airspeed of 50 miles per hour, the engine lost power. The pilot continued to report, "Autorotation into wind was carried out. Because of low altitude and low speed and the turn to miss obstacles, was unable to perform a normal autorotational landing." The helicopter impacted the terrain and nosed over.

A post accident engine run was conducted under the supervision of inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration Wichita, Kansas, Flight Standards District Office. The engine was power washed to remove debris from the accident. The engine driven fuel pump, injection unit, oil filter adapter, and ignition vibrator were damaged during the accident. These components were removed from the engine and replaced with like parts prior to starting the engine. The engine started and ran. Inspection of the fuel pump which was removed revealed "heavy corrosion throughout the fuel pump. ... The fuel pump was white with corrosion throughout most of the interior of the pump." The inspectors also reported the fuel injector unit had a "white corrosion powder" in most every port and opening. Water was present in several locations; however, the water could have been a result of the power washing. The fuel injector finger screen was corroded on the external side of the screen.