Incident Overview
A pilot experienced cooling fan problems with broken blades and landed in a canyon, where he stayed overnight to allow the engine to cool. The plan was to fly to the top of the canyon for repairs.
Engine Failure and Crash
After takeoff, the helicopter climbed almost level with the top of the canyon when the engine failed. During the ensuing emergency landing, the helicopter struck the tops of three trees and subsequently came to rest inverted.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the cooling fan revealed that it was worn, contained reworked parts and incorrect parts, and had 13 fatigue cracks.