N342RD

On June 20, 2004, approximately 1836 central daylight time, an amateur-built Rotorway Exec single-engine helicopter, N432RD, was substantially damaged during a hard landing following a loss of engine power while hover-taxiing at the Lone Star Executive Airport (CXO), near Conroe, Texas. The helicopter student pilot sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was registered to and operated by the student pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The 400-hour pilot reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, that while hovering approximately 20 feet above ground level (agl) at an airspeed of 20 miles per hour (mph), the engine lost power. Subsequently, the pilot initiated an autorotational landing to the ground.

Examination of the helicopter by the FAA inspector revealed the tailboom was separated from the fuselage. The circuit breaker for the electric fuel pump was found in the "tripped" position. No other anomalies were noted throughout the engine or airframe. The pilot stated that the fuel injector system would not function without the positive pressure from the fuel pump to the fuel injector.

A completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) was not received from the pilot.