Incident Overview
A helicopter experienced a partial loss of engine power during cruise flight at an altitude of 550 to 600 feet above ground level (agl). The pilot had leaned the mixture prior to the engine beginning to sputter. In response, the pilot executed a precautionary landing to a field. During the landing, the helicopter rolled underneath trees. The pilot then applied power, and two of the main rotor blades clipped branches of a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the helicopter.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector examined both the helicopter and its engine. The inspection did not identify any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded the normal operation of the helicopter.
Damage Assessment
The helicopter sustained substantial damage as a result of the main rotor blades striking tree branches. No other details regarding the extent of damage or the specific components affected were provided in the source.