Accident Description
The pilot of a helicopter reported that during a preflight inspection, he knew the fuel tanks were not full but considered them 'seemed adequate.' He estimated that the two 15-gallon tanks were about '3/4 of a tank capacity.' The helicopter had been flown the previous night by another pilot, who estimated the fuel tanks were only '1/4 full' at the end of that flight. According to the Pilot/Owners Handbook, fuel consumption was about 19.1 gallons per hour at 100% power and 12.2 gallons per hour at 75% power.
Pilot's Preflight and Fuel Assessment
The accident pilot performed 'a normal start, warm-up and rotor engagement' and then accomplished a 'hovering demonstration and short flight.' He subsequently boarded two passengers, lifted off, and performed another hovering demonstration. The pilot then flew west for about 3 miles.
Engine Failure and Autorotation
During the flight west, the engine began to 'run rough' and then 'quit completely.' The pilot performed an autorotation to rough and uneven ground, where the helicopter touched down hard.
Postcrash Examination
Postcrash examination revealed no evidence of fuel in the fuel tanks.