Photo: SuppliedAn investigation into a 2018 fatal helicopter crash has found the pilot lacked training and there was a mystery fuel control fault. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission found the helicopter's engine control unit had detected faults and automatically switched to a backup mode with fixed fuel flow. The pilot made an emergency landing, but the helicopter struck the ground heavily, became airborne again, and hit the ground again. The commission called for improvements in pilot training, so pilots were more prepared to deal with the risks presented by particular helicopters. "The manufacturer's formal training includes flying with manual throttle, but the pilot did not receive such training in New Zealand, so it's likely the pilot misunderstood manual mode and emergency procedures and was reluctant to select manual mode."

Source: Otago Daily Times June 30, 2021 01:18 UTC