Incident Overview
A multi-engine helicopter experienced a dual engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion while operating on a brush fire containment mission. The pilot, serving as Helicopter Commander, executed an autorotation and landing onto down sloping terrain. During the touchdown, the main rotor blades flexed downward and severed the tail boom.
Aircraft Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom, main rotor blades, tail rotor blades, main rotor drive system, and primary flight controls.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that complexities associated with managing the fire increased, leading him to fail to readjust his station time appropriately for the aircraft. He stated that both engines lost power, prompting the autorotation. No mechanical failures or anomalies were noted prior to the flight that would have prevented normal operation.