Accident Details
On April 18, 2008, at approximately 1705 central daylight time, an Enstrom F28C helicopter, registration N56895, was destroyed when it made a hard landing during an autorotation after the engine lost power during landing approach at Clay County Regional Airport (GPH), Mosby, Missouri. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight without a flight plan. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The local flight had originated at approximately 1630.
Flight Sequence
According to the pilot's accident report, he had been practicing maneuvers in preparation for his commercial helicopter practical test. After completing these maneuvers, he intended to make a normal approach terminating in a hover. While on base leg and descending through 1,300 feet, the pilot began slowing to 70 knots. He lowered the collective control and reduced power momentarily. When he opened the throttle again, there was no response from the engine. The pilot reported, "That's when I heard the engine cut out." He initiated an autorotation. Shortly thereafter, he heard the engine running and observed the engine instruments reading normal. He decided to attempt a landing on the nearby runway. When he increased the collective and applied forward cyclic, the engine lost power again. The helicopter was low, and the pilot attempted to slow down using aft cyclic control. The helicopter then impacted muddy terrain.
Pilot Statement
In retrospect, the pilot stated that after entering the autorotation, he should have completed the maneuver all the way to the ground. Once on the ground, he could then lift the helicopter into a hover to assess engine performance.
Examination
FAA inspectors who examined the helicopter reported that they were able to establish fuel continuity from the fuel tank to the fuel injectors. However, they were unable to determine the reason for the power loss.