Hover and Loss of Power
The helicopter was hovering out of ground effect at about 75 feet above ground level, adjacent to power lines on the left side. The pilot reported that the helicopter began to sink. He applied right anti-torque pedal, after which the engine noise decreased.
Pilot Response
The pilot moved the cyclic to the right and increased collective pitch to arrest the rate of descent. The engine out audio then activated. After clearing the power lines, he lowered the collective pitch to gain rotor rpm and applied forward cyclic in an attempt to clear a tree in front.
Collision
Realizing that impact with trees was imminent, the pilot applied aft cyclic to attempt a vertical descent. The helicopter collided with trees and terrain hard in a nose-low, left-skid-low attitude.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the main fuel tank revealed that the tank was empty and had not ruptured. The engine was removed, transported to the engine manufacturer, and placed in an engine test stand. The engine started and obtained takeoff power, and all cruise power point specifications were met.