Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, after lifting off from a platform to a hover of 3 to 5 feet, with all engine indications in the green and the governor engaged, the engine experienced a loss of power and the helicopter began descending. The helicopter drifted leftward, and one of its skids contacted a dolly, causing the helicopter to roll onto its left side before coming to rest on its right side.
Post-Accident Actions
The pilot recovered the helicopter and placed it back in a hangar before notifying the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The NTSB investigator-in-charge made numerous attempts to gain access to the hangar to remove the engine for an attempted run; the pilot-owner did not respond to these attempts.
Pilot's Report and Police Involvement
A review of the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report submitted by the pilot revealed that the yes and no blocks were marked in the section titled "Mechanical Malfunction Failure." According to a preliminary police report, officers were dispatched after an anonymous phone call. They arrived at the airport, opened the hangar, and noted an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from inside the helicopter.
Examination of the Helicopter
An FAA airworthiness inspector examined the helicopter while it was in the hangar and reported that the helicopter sustained substantial damage.