Accident Overview
The pilot of a helicopter reported that while decelerating to near effective translational lift speed to allow passengers to observe construction activity, the engine emitted a loud noise and subsequently failed. At the time, the helicopter was approximately 300 feet above ground level and traveling at an airspeed of 30 to 40 knots.
Forced Landing and Impact
During the landing flare, the tail rotor and tail boom made contact with a tree. This contact caused the tail rotor and tail boom to separate from the aircraft. The helicopter then came to rest on its right side.
Engine Examination Findings
A teardown examination of the engine revealed that the bearing separator in the number 1 bearing had failed due to fatigue. This failure was determined to be the cause of the engine's loss of power.