This accident was the result of fine clay particles within the engine fuel system causing a momentary reduction in engine power. Fuel contamination is a greater risk for operators that conduct refuelling in the field or at remote locations.
Clear guidance material for remote refuelling procedures is not readily accessible to general aviation operators. AC91-22 and the Fuel Management – Good Aviation Practice booklet both contain some information under the heading ‘Fuelling Procedures’. However, this content is limited with regard to remote operations, mobile tanks, in-field fuel handling, crew training and equipment recommendations.
Aviation New Zealand represents the interests of the commercial aviation community, and the New Zealand Helicopter Association is a division of Aviation New Zealand.
On 24 October 2018 the Commission recommended that the President of Aviation New Zealand promulgate the lessons learned from this accident to its members with a view to increasing awareness of the risk of fuel contamination during remote refuelling procedures.