Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM leading to his failure to maintain control of the helicopter and the hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The helicopter was substantially damaged during a hard landing. The pilot stated that he was landing the helicopter to the east and that the winds were strong and out of the north-northeast. He stated that he was unaware that the winds were different from those at the departure airport about one hour prior to the accident. He stated that as he approached his selected landing spot the helicopter began to lose altitude and rotor RPM and he could not recover with engine power. The helicopter impacted the ground collapsing the left landing skid causing the main rotor blades to strike the ground. The pilot listed no mechanical malfunctions of the helicopter.
Source record
Factual narrative
The helicopter was substantially damaged during a hard landing. The pilot stated that he was landing the helicopter to the east and that the winds were strong and out of the north-northeast. He stated that he was unaware that the winds were different from those at the departure airport about one hour prior to the accident. He stated that as he approached his selected landing spot the helicopter began to lose altitude and rotor RPM and he could not recover with engine power. The helicopter impacted the ground collapsing the left landing skid causing the main rotor blades to strike the ground. The pilot listed no mechanical malfunctions of the helicopter.