Accident Summary
A helicopter was holding to the southwest of an airport at approximately 70 knots and 300 feet above ground level while awaiting landing clearance. During this holding pattern, the turbine engine flamed out. The instructor pilot took over the controls and initiated an autorotation to an open athletic field. As the helicopter approached the ground, the instructor flared abruptly to avoid a baseball backstop, resulting in a hard landing. The impact caused the main rotor blades to droop and sever the tailboom.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, an examination of the helicopter's fuel system was conducted. The inspection revealed that a float arm had been installed incorrectly. Additionally, approximately 250 milliliters of jet fuel was drained from the main fuel cell. The auxiliary fuel tank was found full of fuel, with the pilot cockpit control lever in the off position.