Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm which resulted in a loss of control and a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was attempting to land the helicopter in a sage brush meadow at an elevation of 6,100 feet msl. While in effective translational lift at 12 to 17 feet agl, the helicopter lost rotor RPM, and the pilot applied throttle in an attempt to increase rotor RPM. Subsequently, the helicopter entered an uncontrolled descent from approximately 10 feet agl, landed hard, and rolled over. One main rotor blade was separated, and the fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 26, 2005, approximately 1200 mountain daylight time, a Robinson R44 II single-engine helicopter, N373DM, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain following a loss of control while landing near Indianola, Utah. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured. The helicopter was registered to Fly, LLC, Panaca, Nevada, and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight departed the Spanish Fork-Springville Airport (U77), Spanish Fork, Utah, approximately 0900. According to the Pilot Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported he was attempting to land in a sage brush meadow at an elevation of 6,100 feet msl. While in effective translational lift at 12 to 17 feet agl, the helicopter lost rotor RPM, and the pilot applied throttle in an attempt to increase rotor RPM. Subsequently, the helicopter entered an uncontrolled descent from approximately 10 feet agl, landed hard, and rolled over. One main rotor blade was separated, and the fuselage sustained substantial damage.