Incident Overview
During a departure from a rooftop helipad, the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The takeoff was aborted, during which a main landing gear struck a safety fence. Subsequently, the main rotor blades contacted the helipad surface, the helicopter rolled over, and it came to rest on the helipad.
Pre-departure and Hover
According to the pilot and medical crew, engine startup and before-takeoff checks were normal. The pilot performed a hover at an altitude of 3 to 4 feet above the helipad to verify engine and systems before departure. As the helicopter began to transition over the edge of the rooftop, the engine warning horn sounded, and warning and caution lights illuminated.
Sequence of Events
The medical crew reported that the engine and rotor noise suddenly decreased, and they noticed a slight drop in altitude. After the helicopter came to rest, the engines were still running at an unknown power level. The pilot and medical crew then shut down the engines.
Post-Accident Examination
Functional tests and examinations of the engines and helicopter systems revealed no anomalies. The reason for the reported loss of engine power was not determined.