Incident Overview
A Robinson R-44 helicopter, operated during an instructional flight, experienced a loss of engine power while on the initial climb after takeoff. The certified flight instructor (CFI), who was piloting the aircraft, initiated an autorotation to a nearby construction site in response to the power loss.
Autorotation and Ground Contact
During the autorotation landing, the helicopter's skids dug into the muddy ground at the construction site. Subsequently, the main rotor blades made contact with the tail boom. The helicopter came to rest at the site following the incident.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the helicopter conducted after the accident did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The airframe and systems were inspected, and no anomalies were found that could have contributed to the loss of engine power or the subsequent ground contact.
Pilot Experience
The CFI reported a total flight experience of 1,920 hours, which included approximately 300 hours of flight time in the Robinson R-44 make and model. The instructor held the appropriate certifications for conducting instructional flights in this helicopter.