On November 16, 1996, approximately 1500 Pacific standard time, a McDonnell Douglas 369D helicopter, N5225C, sustained substantial damage when it landed in trees after a loss of engine power. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The aircraft was involved in external load operations near Forks, Washington. No flight plan was filed for the local flight, which was conducted in visual meteorological conditions. The ELT did not actuate. According to FAA inspectors and manufacturer's representatives, the engine fuel nozzle collapsed from contamination of fuel. According to the operator, the contaminant was preliminarily identified as sugar/starch, possibly carboxymethyl cellulose. The operator contracted with Pacific Testing Laboratories to test samples from the fuel supplier, from the storage tank, and the helicopter's fuel filter. The testing found the fuel supplier's sample to be free of contamination, but found similar contamination in the storage tank and the helicopter fuel filter.