KEANAE, HI, USA
N58240
MCDONNELL DOUGLAS 369D
THE PILOT OF A HELICOPTER WAS IN CRUISE CLIMB AT 2600 FEET 300/400 FEET ABOVE A WATERFALL IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN WHEN THE ENGINE OUT AND LOW RPM WARNING HORN AND LIGHT CAME ON. THE PILOT DECIDED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING ON A FLOWER FARM DOWNHILL. DURING THE DESCENT HE MADE A SERIES OF POWER CHANGES WHICH REVEALED A DETERIORATION IN AVAILABLE POWER. THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD ON THE REAR PORTION OF THE SKIDS. THE MAIN ROTORS SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM AND ROTOR SYSTEM.
FUEL STARVATION CAUSED BY A LOOSE FUEL LINE 'B' NUT, DUE TO IMPROPER MAINTENANCE; AND THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO CORRECTLY JUDGE THE LANDING FLARE DURING THE AUTOROTATION.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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