NTSB Factual Report

On July 30, 2003, at 1215 central daylight time, a Hughes 269A helicopter, N81170, registered to and operated by Texas' Jim Hogg County, Texas, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Freer, Texas. The single-engine-land, helicopter-rated private pilot and passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the public use flight. The flight originated from Jim Hogg County Airport, near Hebbronville, Texas, at an unknown time.

During a telephone interview conducted by the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the County Deputy stated that the pilot and passenger were conducting low-level flight and practicing touch and go landings. Approximately 60 feet AGL the pilot heard a "different sound emitted by the engine" that was "followed by a rapid decrease of engine rpm." The pilot initiated a forced landing to a nearby field, and landed hard.

The pilot reported that he had accumulated a total of 4,700 hours, of which 3,804 were in helicopters, with 410 hours in the accident aircraft.

Examination of the wreckage by the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, reported the three main rotor blades were still attached, but one broke in half. The tail boom was severed and the tail rotor blades were intact. The left main landing skid was detached and found approximately 40 feet from the tail boom.

An examination of the 160-horsepower Lycoming engine was conducted by the FAA inspector at the accident site. Rotational continuity was established throughout the engine. The clutch was engaged, the magnetos fired, and flight control continuity was verified. No anomalies were found on the engine that would have prevented normal operations.

NTSB Probable Cause

Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.