Accident Overview
On January 28, 2018, at approximately 1530 eastern standard time, an experimental, amateur-built Vertical Aviation Technologies 260L Hummingbird helicopter, registration N4045, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Harrisville, New York. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as a personal flight.
Flight Details
The helicopter departed from Potsdam Municipal Airport (PTD), Potsdam, New York, around 1500, destined for the pilot's private residence in Harrisville, New York. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. While cruising at 500 feet above ground level, about 6 miles from the destination, the engine sputtered once and then lost all power.
Forced Landing
The pilot performed an autorotation into a low-lying valley with short trees. During the landing, the main rotor and tail rotor contacted trees, resulting in substantial damage. The landing gear also sustained damage.
Aircraft Information
The helicopter was assembled in 2010 and equipped with a Chevrolet LS3 engine. At the time of the accident, the airframe and engine had accumulated 456.8 total hours of operation. The most recent annual inspection was completed on October 29, 2017, and the helicopter had flown 5.3 hours since that inspection.
Examination of Wreckage
Post-accident examination and testing of the electric fuel pumps by the pilot revealed that one of the two Airtex External Electric Fuel Pumps (model E8445) did not operate when direct current was applied. According to the pilot, the operating manual specified that both fuel pumps should be on for takeoff and landing, but only one pump is required for cruise flight. The pilot noted that it would have been safer to have both fuel pumps on at all times.