What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was engaged in an aerial photography mission. At the time of the event, the helicopter was maneuvering at an approximate altitude of 200 feet above ground level (AGL). During this phase of flight, the pilot experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power.
Upon detecting the failure, the pilot immediately initiated standard autorotation procedures to maintain rotor RPM and control. The pilot directed the aircraft toward the nearest suitable landing area, which was identified as a small field located downwind. This field presented a challenge due to its terrain, featuring a 15-degree upslope. The pilot performed a flare maneuver in preparation for touchdown. Despite the controlled descent, the helicopter impacted the ground with significant force, resulting in a hard landing.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators conducted a thorough examination of the aircraft's propulsion system to determine the root cause of the power loss. A detailed engine teardown was performed to inspect internal components for mechanical failure, wear, or damage that could explain the sudden cessation of power.
The examination results did not reveal any mechanical defects or anomalies within the engine that would account for the in-flight power failure. The lack of physical evidence suggesting a mechanical malfunction leaves the specific cause of the initial power loss undetermined based on the available forensic data.
Findings
The investigation highlighted several critical factors associated with the event:
- Loss of power occurred suddenly during low-altitude maneuvering for aerial photography.
- The pilot successfully executed autorotation procedures to manage the descent.
- The landing site was a small field with a significant 15-degree upslope, complicating the touchdown.
- The aircraft sustained damage due to the hard landing impact.
- Engine teardown analysis found no mechanical explanation for the power failure.