Accident Overview
A helicopter experienced a power loss during a night flight, prompting an immediate forced landing. The aircraft subsequently collided with a small tree approximately 8 feet in height. The impact fractured the tail boom. The subsequent hard landing resulted in the failure of one landing skid and damage to the main rotor blades.
Flight History
The pilot was conducting a night flight with two friends. Shortly after departure, the engine ceased operation, leading to the forced landing maneuver.
Post-Accident Investigation
During the post-accident examination, investigators discovered contaminants in the aircraft's fuel. However, the helicopter was equipped with a fuel bypass system that allows continuous fuel flow to the engine, bypassing the main fuel filter. Consequently, fuel contamination was not deemed a critical factor in this occurrence.