Incident Overview
A commercial helicopter pilot with 602 hours total time, including 597 hours in the same make and model, was engaged in herding cattle over a small creek at an altitude of approximately 60 to 75 feet above the ground. During the operation, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power. Despite attempts to restore power, the engine did not respond, prompting the pilot to initiate an autorotation to the rough and uneven terrain below.
Landing and Wreckage
The helicopter touched down on sloping ground and subsequently rolled over, coming to rest on its left side among brushes in the sloped area. There was no post-impact fire. Following the incident, the helicopter was recovered to the operator's maintenance facility, where an FAA inspector examined the wreckage.
Aircraft Information
The helicopter was a 2000 model year aircraft. At the time of its last 100-hour inspection on January 29, 2007, the helicopter had accumulated a total of 1,479.1 hours. The pilot reported a suspicion that the loss of engine power resulted from a loss of fuel pressure.
Examinations and Findings
During the post-accident examination, the fuel pump was tested and found to be functional. Investigators found no anomalies with the engine that could have prevented normal operation. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at the nearest reporting station, located 14 miles west of the accident site, indicated wind from 135 degrees at 7 knots, visibility of 8 miles, temperature 71 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 66 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure setting of 30.09 inches of Mercury. The investigator-in-charge calculated the density altitude at 1,302 feet.