Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of an electrical system failure.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the helicopter was about 100 yards from the landing zone at 100 feet above ground level at 40 mph airspeed when the engine “flamed out.” He attempted to execute an autorotation, but the helicopter impacted hard. The examination of the helicopter revealed that the electrical wires that provided power to the helicopter’s fuel pump became disconnected, which resulted in an interruption in the fuel flow to the engine.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA553 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 6, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Metone, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Metone Airport (C92)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built HELICYCLE
- N-number
- N128BH
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.