Accident Overview
A helicopter departed for a sightseeing flight with a pilot and one passenger. Immediately after takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 100 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a power fluctuation followed by a total loss of engine power. Despite the pilot's attempts to restore power, an autorotation landing became necessary. During the landing, the helicopter struck the ground and rolled over, sustaining substantial damage.
Examination Findings
Following the accident, sufficient fuel was found on board the helicopter for engine operation. A detailed examination of both the engine and airframe was conducted, along with a functional test of the engine. The examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction, and no abnormal operation was observed during the functional test.
Possible Causes
Investigators noted that inadvertent selection of the cyclic governor switch to the off position could affect engine performance during takeoff. Additionally, an improper adjustment of the RPM selector dial could also impact engine operation. However, no conclusive evidence was found to indicate that these specific situations occurred in this case.