Accident Summary
Two certificated rotorcraft pilots were conducting a ferry flight. As the helicopter approached a refueling stop, the airline transport pilot (ATP) flying requested that the private pilot apply carburetor heat. In response, the private pilot inadvertently pulled the engine mixture control, including the guard, causing an immediate total loss of engine power. The helicopter was at an altitude between 300 and 400 feet when the incident occurred.
Emergency Response
The ATP entered an autorotation, while the private pilot attempted to restart the engine. However, the engine did not restart before the helicopter struck trees, a fence, and then nosed over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the airframe, and to both the main and tail rotor drive systems.
Investigation Findings
Both pilots reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions during the flight. The private pilot had accumulated 220 hours of total flight experience, including approximately 54 hours in the same make and model as the accident helicopter.