On May 28, 2002, about 1520 local time, a Hughes 369E, VH-HJT, operator unknown, sustained a reported engine stoppage and crashed in the Western Tiers area of northwestern Tasmania. The helicopter was being used in support of the Tasmanian National Parks, including external sling load operations. Following delivery of an external load of coal, the helicopter was reportedly landed, external nets gathered, and three passengers picked up. On short final to the passenger delivery, as the helicopter was about 150 to 250 feet above ground, the engine reportedly flamed out. The pilot entered an autorotation and the helicopter impacted hard. The pilot and three passengers suffered serious injuries. The helicopter sustained substantial damage; there was no fire. The helicopter was being operated in daytime, in visual meteorological conditions, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Authority, Australia.

Rolls Royce engines, Indianapolis, provided an investigator to assist, on site the investigator-in-charge (IIC), Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). For further information, please contact,

Mr. Ian Sangston, IIC
Australian Transport Safety Bureau
C/PO Box 967
Civic Square ACT 2608
Tel. +61 (0) 2 6274 6443 / fax 2 6247 1290

U.S. Accredited Representative:

Thomas R. Conroy
Air Safety Investigator
Office of Aviation Safety
Regional Operations and General Aviation Division
Washington, DC 20594
1 202 314-6314 / fax -6329

Tel. +61 (0) 2 6274 6443 / fax 2 6247 1290