SEA95LA097

During a local flight after maintenance, the pilot reported that the engine experienced a loss of power. An autorotation was initiated to an open field where the helicopter touched down hard and rolled onto its right side. Documentation of the wreckage at the accident site indicated evidence of a low rotor RPM at the time of the collision. During the post-crash engine inspection, no evidence was found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction. The pilot also reported that the cyclic control was 'tough to control.' Examination of the control system did not reveal any abnormalities.

On May 10, 1995, at 0850 Pacific daylight time, at Hughes 269C, N7443F, experienced a loss of engine power and subsequently a hard landing on an open field near Lamont, Washington. After touch down, the helicopter rolled onto its right side. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The helicopter was substantially damaged and the private pilot was seriously injured. The passenger received minor injuries. The flight had departed from Lind, Washington, for a local flight.

The pilot's son reported that the purpose of the flight was for viewing agricultural fields and a test flight after an annual inspection. The pilot was unable to be interviewed due to injuries, however, the son reported that the pilot stated that the engine experienced a partial loss of power while in cruise flight. The pilot turned the helicopter into the wind to initiate an autorotation to an open filed, however, approximately 50 feet above ground level, the engine lost all power and the helicopter landed hard and rolled onto its right side. The son also reported that the pilot stated that the cyclic control was "tough to control." The pilot has not responded to telephone or written inquiries for further information, nor did the pilot complete in its entirety the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report Form 6120.1/2.

The passenger reported that everything seemed normal until a "sudden roughness and vibration occurred." The passenger stated that the pilot said that they were going down and landing quickly. The passenger stated that in seconds the helicopter was close to the ground and the helicopter landed hard on the skids. The helicopter then jumped to the right and rolled onto its side.

Documentation of the wreckage at the accident site by an inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards Field Office, Spokane, Washington, reported that there was evidence to indicate a low rotor rpm when the main rotors contacted the ground. The wreckage was removed from the site and taken to a secured facility for further inspection. The engine was examined, however, there was no evidence found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction. Control continuity was established throughout the system, with no abnormalities noted.

Airframe and engine logbook entries indicate that the helicopter had been signed off for an annual inspection the day before the accident. The helicopter had accumulated a total of seven hours since the inspection.

Federal Aviation Administration records indicate that the pilot is required to wear an artificial limb for his right arm. Airmen records indicate that the pilot reported the loss of the limb in 1973. In 1974, the pilot demonstrated his ability to operate a single-engine land aircraft to maintain a third class medical certificate. The pilot obtained the private pilot helicopter rating on March 9, 1977. Prior to this date, the pilot held the private pilot certificate for single-engine land operations.