What happened
Approximately three minutes after takeoff, the pilot reported that the engine began to lose power. In response to the power loss, the pilot performed an autorotation into a field that was sloping downhill. During the landing, the left skid of the helicopter made contact with the ground, followed by the right skid, which caused the aircraft to cartwheel onto its nose.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft and the fuel slip signed by the pilot revealed that the helicopter had been refueled with Jet A fuel instead of the required 100 LL Avgas. Prior to the flight, the pilot had radioed a request for a "quick turn." Upon the pilot's arrival, a fuel attendant was waiting at the pumps. While the pilot could not recall if the attendant provided the nozzle, the pilot performed the refueling himself.
Findings
The investigation identified that the engine failure was caused by the use of incorrect fuel. The pilot noted that the accident might have been prevented with more visible markings on the fuel pumps and suggested that nozzles on Jet A pumps should not be designed to fit Avgas fuel tanks.