Accident Details
The pilot reported that about three minutes into the flight, the engine began to lose power. An autorotation was performed to a downhill, sloping field. During the landing, the left skid contacted the ground, followed by the right skid, and the helicopter cartwheeled onto its nose.
Examination Findings
An examination of the helicopter and the fuel slip signed by the pilot revealed that it had been refueled with Jet A fuel instead of 100 LL Avgas. The pilot had radioed that he wanted a 'quick turn.' Upon his arrival, the attendant was waiting by the fuel pumps. The pilot does not recall if the attendant gave him the nozzle, but the pilot refueled the helicopter.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if the markings on the fuel pumps were more visible, and that the nozzles on Jet A pumps should not be made to fit Avgas fuel tanks.