Flight Details
The flight departed for a local flight at 2320 on a very dark night. The outside air temperature at the time of the accident was 16 degrees Fahrenheit. An aircraft heater had been placed in the aircraft the previous day. Both the heater and the fuel shutoff are activated by pulling their respective controls on the center console. The pilot stated that he did not use the aircraft heater for the flight and did not close the fuel shutoff valve prior to or following the collision.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that the aircraft engine stopped producing power, and the aircraft impacted the terrain. During the autorotation, the pilot observed the rotor RPM to be below the red line.
Post-Accident Findings
After the collision, the aircraft fuel shutoff valve was found to be in the closed (pulled out) position. Rescue and fire personnel stated that they did not close the fuel shutoff valve following the accident.
Engine Testing
The aircraft engine operated within normal operating limits during a test run following the accident.