What happened
The incident occurred when the helicopter's engine experienced a sudden loss of power while operating at an altitude between 200 and 400 feet above ground level. Recognizing the emergency, the pilot immediately initiated an autorotation to maintain rotor RPM and control the descent.
The pilot directed the aircraft toward a flat desert area that was confirmed to be free of obstacles. Despite the controlled approach, the helicopter touched down with significant force. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the airframe and critical dynamic components of the rotor system.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators conducted a thorough examination of the helicopter's engine to determine the root cause of the power failure. The inspection revealed that the P3 line was leaking, which likely contributed to the loss of engine performance.