Accident Sequence
A helicopter collided with trees and terrain after the pilot reported an in-flight loss of engine power during cruise. Witnesses provided varying accounts: one witness, a pilot, observed the helicopter flying north from P.T. Auto Sales and noted low rotor RPM and low power. Another witness reported the aircraft heading northwest, leaning to its left side, and appearing to have lost engine power before descending straight down.
Wreckage and Examination
The helicopter came to rest on its cabin nose, with the front of the cabin assembly crushed aft. The three main rotor blades remained attached to the hub, and the tail rotor assembly was intact. Flight control continuity was established to the control surfaces and to the engine. The engine produced thumb compression on all cylinders, and the magnetos generated spark when rotated with the master switch on. The fuel servo screen was found clean. When the electric boost pump was activated, a liquid exited the unplugged servo screen. About one ounce of blue fluid was recovered from the fuel strainer. Both fuel tanks were compromised, but the airframe showed no signs of fuel staining. No fuel odor was present at the accident site, and soil samples from around the cabin lacked any fuel smell.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a student pilot certificate and an expired third-class medical certificate. According to the medical certificate, the pilot reported 200 total hours of flight time.
Fuel Information
A fueling log marked "100 LL" was found at the departure heliport. A fuel log entry dated October 3, 2001, recorded a "before" value of 38.6 and an "after" value of 69.7. No pre-impact anomalies were identified.