NTSB Factual Report

On July 29, 2018, at about 0912 Alaska daylight time, N744AK, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the Bettles Airport (PABT), Bettles, Alaska. The commercial pilot and two passengers were not injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Quicksilver Air Inc., under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 public-use flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight departed PABT about 0908.

According to the pilot, he had computed the weight and balance and performed a preflight inspection prior to departure. After the passengers boarded the helicopter, the engine was started, and all ground run-up checks of the engine were satisfactory. He stated that about 4 minutes after liftoff the helicopter lost all engine power. He entered an emergency autorotation and landed the helicopter in a bog. During the emergency landing, the tips of the helicopters skids broke though the vegetative matt on the bogs surface and the main rotor blades impacted the tailboom. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tailboom.

The helicopter was equipped with a Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 series engine, a detailed engine examination is pending.

The closest weather reporting facility is Bettles Airport (PABT). At 0853, an METAR from PABT was reporting in part: wind, calm; visibility, 10 statute miles; sky condition, few clouds 11,000 feet; temperature, 66° F; dew point 55° F; altimeter, 30.11 inches of mercury.