Bell 205A-1 N502HQ accident near El Cajon, California

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor stated that he was demonstrating an autorotation to the pilot receiving instruction as part of the company’s flight training program. The flight instructor entered the autorotation at an altitude of about 1,500 to 2,000 ft above ground level and reduced the engine’s power to flight idle during the descent. When the helicopter reached its power recovery altitude, the instructor attempted to increase the engine’s power; however, the engine did not respond. Subsequently, he attempted to recover engine power three times but was unsuccessful. The pilot committed to a touchdown autorotation. On touchdown, the helicopter rocked forward then aft on its skids, and the main rotor blades struck the tailboom, which sustained substantial damage.

A postaccident examination of the engine, governor, and fuel control revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. As a result, the reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined from the available evidence for this investigation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC22LA014 for the full record.