About 2,300-2,400 Ft Mean Sea Level, The Engine Abruptly Loss Power And (Pilot) Initiated An Autorotation

Location: Mesa, AZ Accident Number: WPR23LA006
Date & Time: October 1, 2022, 05:43 Local Registration: N24067
Aircraft: Bell 47G Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On October 1, 2022, about 0543 mountain standard time, a Bell 47G helicopter, N24067, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Mesa, Arizona. The pilot was not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that on the return leg of a local flight, about 2,300-2,400 ft mean sea level, the engine abruptly loss power and he initiated an autorotation and landed on a residential street. During the landing sequence, the tail rotor contacted the ground. 

Postaccident examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, revealed that the helicopter’s tail rotor and tail boom were substantially damaged. 

The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for future examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov