NTSB Factual Report

The helicopter was involved in a hard landing during an autorotation following a loss of engine power. The pilot reported that during the flight, while drinking from a water bottle, the bottle contacted the overhead electric fuel pump switch. The switch was knocked to the off position, resulting in the loss of engine power. The pilot stated he entered an autorotation. He said he realized that he had contacted the switch, but by that time he was already committed to land. The pilot reported, "...the auto was poorly executed at the bottom end, resulting in a hard landing." He reported that during the landing, the rear landing gear collapsed and the main rotor blades struck the tailboom.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot inadvertently shut off the fuel pump switch which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power. An additional cause was the pilot's poorly executed autorotation/flare which resulted in a hard landing.