Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot not maintaining tail rotor effectiveness while turning in cruise.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he was cruising east in a helicopter. He made a 180 degree turn to the right, flew west for about 40 seconds, and made a 180 degree turn to right. The pilot reported that he rolled out of the turn, but the helicopter continued to turn right. He said that he landed flat, and the spinning helicopter rolled onto its right side. The helicopter was examined after the accident, and no preimpact anomalies were detected. The pilot's safety recommendation was, "Watch your airspeed when turning right so that your tail can still maintain control."
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that he was cruising east bound in a helicopter. He made a 180 degree turn to the right, flew west for about 40 seconds, and made a 180 degree turn to right. The pilot reported that he rolled out of the turn and that the helicopter continued to turn right. He said that he landed "flat" and "with the spin the helicopter rolled onto its right side." The airplane was examined after the accident and no pre-impact anomalies were detected. The pilot's safety recommendation was, "Watch your airspeed when turning right so that your tail can still maintain control."