19990716009169A

Power failure in flight. Aircraft soft landed in gulf of Mexico.(.19) on July 16, 1999, at 0812 eastern daylight time, a Hiller UH12-C, N5317V, ditched into the gulf of Mexico following a loss of engine power near Venice, Florida. The helicopter was operated by the commercial pilot under the provisions of title 14 CFR part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot and one passenger were not injured and the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The helicopter departed Venice, Florida exact time unknown. Examination of the helicopter by the FAA found that the engine had sustained salt water contamination. Further examination established continuity throughout the engine and the drive train. Additionally, the mags sparked when rotated, there was oil/water in the crankcase, and there was fuel/water in the fuel tanks. (.4) according to the pilot, the helicopter lost power while flying at 50 knots and 100 feet above the ocean during a flight to record video footage of the area. The pilot made an auto-rotation into the water. Both the pilot and passenger were immediately rescued by a nearby boa t. examination of the helicopter by the FAA found that the engine had sustained salt water contamination. Further examination established continuity throughout the engine and the drive train. Additionally, the magnetos sparked when rotated, there was oil/water in the crankcase, and there was fuel/water in the fuel tanks.