Flight Details
A pilot who had just transported a patient and two crew members departed from a medical center helipad to obtain fuel at a nearby airport. Shortly after takeoff, a partial loss of engine power occurred.
Emergency Landing
To address the situation, the pilot initiated a landing on a road. However, upon seeing a car, the pilot turned to avoid a collision. At approximately that time, the main rotor blades struck a metal street lamp pole. The pilot then maneuvered the helicopter below overhead wires that were ahead. The emergency landing continued, and the helicopter came to a stop after skidding about 30 to 40 feet on the road.
Engine Examination
An examination of the engine was conducted, but the cause of the partial power loss was not determined.