Originally Posted by
lear553560ed
Being a relatively new model for Robinson, R-66 in this case, and the accident appears to have happened after refueling, I'm wondering if an unknowing Line guy fueled it with Avgas. Looks like a R-44 minus some clues but it's a turbine, and the companies first to boot. Just a thought.
Much worse if Jet A is put with a piston engine than vise versa:
"Most jet engines will run just fine on avgas. The electronic fuel computers even have a setting for Avgas, that changes the density computation so the fuel control flows the correct amount of fuel for the engine. There are normally time limits though mostly due to the additives that avgas fuels have in them which jet fuels don't have. Jet fuels have a lower volatility than avgas, but a higher thermal value per gallon. So with avgas, you get higher temps and less thrust generation."
The Airplane flight manuals I've used with the different jets I've flown also provide a maximum number of hours in which AVGAS can be utilized between engine overhauls w/o any adverse effects. Something on the order of 20 hours. Not great but a nice ace in the hole when you find yourself w/o any other options.
Best Wishes!
HD