Accident Details
On November 6, 2009, at approximately 1130 eastern standard time, a Hughes 369D helicopter (registration N89ZC) crashed into a field in Baxley, Georgia. The aircraft was operated by Extreme Helicopters Inc as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan was filed, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
The flight had just departed from a private residence in Baxley when, according to the pilot, the helicopter lost engine power less than one minute after takeoff. During the subsequent autorotation, the helicopter rolled over onto its left side, causing substantial damage to the main rotor blades and airframe.
The pilot reported that the loss of engine power occurred because the "main fuel valve was pulled, causing fuel starvation to the engine."
Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage. The helicopter was found resting on its left side, with damage to the main rotor blades and tail rotor.