During an engine failure at low altitude, what is the pilot's immediate priority?

During an engine failure at low altitude, the pilot's immediate priority is to establish and maintain autorotation while simultaneously identifying a suitable landing area. Autorotation is the emergency procedure that allows the helicopter to descend safely without engine power by using the upward airflow through the rotor system to keep the rotor blades turning. Establishing autorotation involves immediately lowering the collective pitch to reduce drag on the rotor blades and prevent rotor RPM from decaying too rapidly. Simultaneously, the pilot must quickly assess the surrounding terrain and identify the best available landing site, considering factors such as terrain slope, surface conditions, and obstacles. Making these decisions and taking these actions within the first few seconds after an engine failure is critical for a successful autorotative landing.