Incident Overview
A helicopter conducting a local flight to pick up personnel experienced an engine power loss during cruise at approximately 200 feet above ground level. The pilot performed a downwind autorotative landing. During the flare, blowing snow caused loss of ground contact, leading to a right drift. Upon touchdown, the helicopter rolled onto its side.
Weather Conditions
The flight was launched during a snowstorm. Weather reported moderate snow with partial obscuration, visibility of 1/4 mile, wind from 320 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 20 knots, and a temperature/dew point of 28/27 degrees Fahrenheit.
Aircraft Configuration
Flight manual limitations require both a particle separator and a deflector be installed on the engine for flight in snow to prevent engine flameout. A deflector was not installed on this flight.
Sequence of Events
The helicopter departed during the snowstorm. At about 200 feet above ground level during cruise, the engine lost all power. The pilot initiated a downwind autorotative landing. During the flare, blowing snow obscured ground contact, and the helicopter developed a right drift. At touchdown, the helicopter rolled on its side, resulting in damage.