Incident Details
A helicopter pilot reported that after refueling at a facility, the engine began to lose power shortly after takeoff while en route to pick up passengers. The pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing. As the helicopter descended, the engine lost total power approximately 50 to 75 feet above the ground. The pilot executed an autorotation, landing in an area of bushes.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the fuel system following the incident revealed contamination in multiple components. The airframe fuel filter was contaminated with water and a green material. The engine-driven fuel pump filter also showed contamination, and the fuel control screen contained some foreign material. Investigators collected fuel samples from the refueling facilities used on the day of the accident and the day prior, but testing found no relevant contamination in those samples.