Narrative
A helicopter flight was conducted for the purpose of giving a private pilot a practical flight evaluation for a commercial pilot certificate. The flight included a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designated pilot examiner (DPE) on board. During cruise flight, the DPE initiated a simulated engine failure by reducing the throttle. Neither the pilot nor the DPE monitored the engine RPM, and neither noticed that the engine stopped producing power after the throttle reduction. As a result, the rotor RPM decayed during the attempted powered recovery, reducing glide distance and leaving inadequate rotor RPM for a cushioned touchdown.
Pilot and Examiner Actions
The pilot was asked after the accident whether there were any specific checks or callouts required during a simulated engine failure. He stated that he did not have any required callouts, did not verbalize his intended point of touchdown, and did not crosscheck the engine RPM until he attempted a powered recovery from the autorotation. The examiner was asked whether the applicant was required to check any parameters or make any callouts during his response to the simulated emergency, specifically if he had to confirm the engine idle RPM. The examiner answered no.
Post-Accident Engine Test
After the accident, the engine was started and ran continuously without interruption, indicating no preexisting mechanical issues.