Incident Overview
A helicopter flight departing from an airport and traveling northwest-bound experienced a complete loss of engine power. The pilot reported to the control tower that he was going down and subsequently performed an autorotation landing into a river. The pilot was rescued from the water by another helicopter operating in the area before the helicopter sank.
Examination Findings
An examination of the wreckage, supervised by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), was conducted at the Lee County Mosquito Control Facility. An airframe and powerplant mechanic from the facility assisted in the examination.
Fuel samples were taken from various points in the fuel system:
- Approximately one tablespoon of fuel was drained from the fuel nozzle line.
- Approximately 3 ounces of fuel was drained from the fuel pump filter bowl.
- Four ounces of fuel was drained from the main tank to the pump inline filter.
- Approximately 1.5 quarts of fuel was drained from the main fuel tank.
- Approximately 22 quarts of brackish water was drained from the main fuel tank.
The mechanic noted that during the examination, the fuel cap was not secured. No external damage was observed to the engine. The exterior surface examination of the engine revealed no cracks, broken parts, leakages, or rods.
Report Status
A completed NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) was not received.