Helicopter Accident Involving Fuel Contamination and Loss of Engine Power (N9089F)

Accident Summary

A private pilot departed on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight in visual meteorological conditions. A witness observed the helicopter at approximately 600 feet above ground level (AGL) descending in an autorotation with a high rate of descent and forward airspeed. The nose was pitched up about 45 degrees before the helicopter disappeared below the tree line.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the crash site revealed that the helicopter collided with trees while in a descending left turn prior to impacting the ground at about a 45-degree nose-down attitude. After impact, the helicopter nosed over and came to rest on its right side. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.

Contributing Factors

The investigation determined that a contributing factor to the accident was the total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. The deceased pilot's son stated that his father would allow the helicopter to sit at the house without a full tank of fuel and would not drain the fuel sump as part of his preflight inspection.