Accident Sequence
During an aerial photography flight, while orbiting over a residential area at an altitude between 150 and 200 feet above ground level, the helicopter's engine experienced a loss of power. The pilot initiated an emergency descent with the intention of performing an autorotative landing on a road. However, during the descent, the main rotor blades collided with trees, resulting in a hard landing.
Pilot Actions
The pilot stated that he did not apply carburetor heat or check the magnetos following the loss of engine power.
Examination Findings
Examination of the helicopter revealed sufficient fuel quantity to sustain engine operation, and no contaminants were found in the fuel. Examination of the engine showed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. A review of a carburetor icing probability chart indicated that conditions were favorable for light icing at cruise or descent power.