What happened
The pilot, a student operating a helicopter, conducted a preflight inspection prior to a planned solo cross-country flight. During this inspection, he noted that the fuel quantity was less than full. Despite this observation, he determined that there was sufficient fuel remaining to complete his intended route.
During the flight, which followed a round-robin pattern back to the home base, the aircraft approached its destination. Approximately one mile from the airfield, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power. Unable to restart or maintain altitude, the pilot initiated an autorotation to attempt a safe landing.
The investigation
The helicopter descended rapidly during the autorotation and impacted a tree during the final phase of the landing maneuver. The impact resulted in significant damage to the aircraft structure.
Findings
- fuel exhaustion
- The student pilot observed low fuel levels during the preflight but proceeded with the flight.
- Engine power was lost approximately one mile from the home base.
- The helicopter struck a tree during the autorotation landing attempt.
The investigation indicates that the pilot's decision to fly with less than full fuel, combined with the resulting fuel exhaustion, directly led to the loss of engine power and the subsequent accident.