Incident Overview
During cruise flight at approximately 400 feet above ground level, the helicopter experienced a sudden loss of power. The pilot initiated an autorotation to a residential street. During the forced landing, the main rotor blades struck trees that overhung the street. Subsequently, the helicopter touched down hard and slid to a stop.
Examination Findings
An examination of the helicopter revealed that the B-nut on the PC pneumatic line from the power turbine governor tee fitting to the fuel control, at the fuel control end, was backed off from the fitting. When viewed initially, the B-nut appeared to be connected, but when moved by hand, it dislodged from the fuel control connection. Further examination revealed the whole engine was void of the required torque striping on all B-nuts.
Maintenance Records
Examination of the maintenance records revealed the helicopter accumulated 42.6 hours since the last 100-hour maintenance inspection that was performed on March 29, 2002.