Incident Overview
A helicopter departed from the University Hospital helipad en route to Middleburg, Florida. Approximately thirty seconds after takeoff, the pilot reported hearing a loud noise and feeling the helicopter shudder. The pilot stated that power was lost in the number one engine.
Emergency Maneuvers
In response to the engine power loss, the pilot attempted to gain forward airspeed to continue the flight on the remaining engine. After the helicopter cleared a set of power lines, the pilot decided to execute a precautionary landing into the backyard of a residential home. As the helicopter touched down on a fence covered by hedges, it rolled onto its right side.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the helicopter following the accident revealed that the main rotor blades were broken outboard of the pendulum weights. The tail boom was buckled on the lower surface aft of the attach fitting. The number one engine underwent a functional test, and no discrepancies were noted during the engine run-up. Efforts to functionally test the number two engine were unsuccessful. However, examination of the power turbine kit showed that the elbow assembly was pierced, allowing pressure control air to escape.