N1020Q

On November 5, 2005, about 1445 central standard time, a Hughes 269A helicopter, N1020Q, piloted by an airline transport pilot, sustained substantial damage during landing following a reported loss of engine power. The helicopter was on approach to land on runway 30 (3,801 feet by 75 feet, concrete), at the Millard Airport, Omaha, Nebraska, when the loss of power occurred. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The local flight originated about 1440.

The pilot held an airline transport certificate with a rating for multi-engine land airplanes. The certificate also listed commercial priveledges for Rotorcraft-Helicopter and Instrument Helicopter ratings.

The pilot reported that while on approach to hover, the engine lost power as he was passing through 60 feet above ground level. He stated that he "pulled back on the stick to slow down and enter auto rotation, and began to roll off the throttle and lower the collective." He further stated; "Almost immediately I felt the power come up and the needles joined accompanied by the aircraft yawing. I attempted to apply power and recover but my rate of descent and altitude along with the adverse yaw complicated my recovery."

The helicopter subsequently impacted the ground and slid to a stop.

Postaccident examination of the helicopter failed to reveal any pre-impact anomalies.