Incident Overview
A helicopter equipped with skids experienced a hard landing while conducting a local area revenue sightseeing flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. The airline transport certificated pilot was accompanied by four passengers.
Pilot Report
According to the operator's chief pilot, the accident pilot reported that during cruise flight, the fuel pump warning light illuminated. The pilot initiated a precautionary landing approach to a vacant parking lot. While on final approach to the parking lot, the pilot stated that the "engine flamed out." The pilot then performed an autorotation, but the helicopter landed hard.
Damage Assessment
The hard landing resulted in deformation of the helicopter's landing gear cross-tubes, breakage of the pilot's windscreen, and structural damage to the fuselage.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the helicopter and reported that it had flown 1.5 hours before the accident. The fuel gauge, annunciator system, fuel pump, and fuel system were found to function normally. A pressure check of the fuel lines revealed no leakage. The inspector indicated that the fuel tank contained about 40 ounces of fuel. The inspector reported that during the examination, no mechanical malfunction was found.