Flight Purpose and Fuel Management
The helicopter pilot reported that the purpose of the approximate 2-hour cross-country flight was to perform aerial mapping of powerlines. The helicopter was due for a fuel pump replacement at the end of the flight, and maintenance personnel requested that the pilot land with as little fuel as possible. The pilot departed with 60 gallons of fuel and anticipated landing with about 10 gallons remaining. However, the flight took longer than expected.
Power Loss and Emergency Landing
Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes into the flight, while the helicopter was in a 50-foot hover over the destination airport, the engine lost all power. The pilot performed an autorotation to a taxiway to regain control and land. During the landing, the helicopter touched down hard, and the tailboom separated from the main fuselage.
Pilot's Assessment and Mechanical Inspection
The pilot stated that the accident would not have occurred if he had followed Federal Aviation Regulation minimum fuel requirements and properly calculated time and fuel consumption. The pilot further reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter. An examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any mechanical anomalies.