Accident Overview
A firefighting helicopter encountered a loss of engine power during a climb after filling its slung water bucket. According to the pilot, the engine began losing power and rotor RPM as the helicopter entered translational lift. In response, the pilot jettisoned the water and 'nursed' the helicopter toward the shoreline.
Forced Landing and Impact
During the subsequent forced landing, the helicopter's tail rotor struck a steel fence post. The impact caused the helicopter to begin spinning, at which point the pilot performed an autorotation to a landing.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the incident, the engine was subjected to a test run. The test revealed that the engine's governor differential—the difference between pneumatic and governor-produced air—was 5.7 percent below the low limit. Further examination of the governor identified worn spring ends and spring mounts in the cam follower's lever arm and the spring retainer assembly.
Conclusion
The investigation documented the governor condition, but no explicit cause was stated in the source.