What happened
During the final leg of a cross-country flight, the pilot became aware that the aircraft was low on fuel. When the helicopter was approximately 9.5 miles from its destination airport, the low fuel warning light illuminated. In response to the fuel situation, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing.
As the helicopter descended for the landing, the low fuel light turned off. During this descent, the pilot experienced a yaw to the right. Believing that an engine failure had occurred, the pilot initiated a hovering autorotation. However, the pilot subsequently discovered that the engine was still producing power. The pilot was able to regain control of the helicopter and complete the landing.
Findings
An investigation determined that the aircraft had contacted an electrical wire that was positioned across a nearby road.