I lost my Enstrom F28A in an engine failure. Had just started from a refueling when the engine stopped dead on 800'. Made an autorotation landing in a rapeseed field with about 20-30 knots forward speed which should have been OK if it hadn't been for the rapeseed that the skids stuck in (try to walk through rapeseed!) so the Enstrom tipped forward and the blades contacted the ground with a total as result.
Reason for engine failure? The ignition cable isolation burnt off with a short as result.
Why? Had had the engine rebuildt and when it was reinstalled the mechanic made a mistake, connected the ground cable to the middle of the alternator (where You can connect for instrument output).
It was OK for 5 hours flying before the accident but after the refueling I had trouble starting the engine and I drained the battery. I jumpstarted the engine and when it stated loading the battery it obviosly overloaded and burnt the ignition cables.
Was rathe lucky though, just a couple of 100 meters along my route the compact forest began.
I managed a Mayday on the way down but not more. Can still remember the chilling silence. /CC