Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight performance calculations, which resulted in the overweight helicopter's lack of hover capability out of ground effect.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during the takeoff the helicopter encountered a downdraft about 20 feet above the hilltop helipad. He stated that he attempted to compensate for the wind with a collective input, but the helicopter descended and struck the downsloping hillside. The helicopter came to rest on its side and incurred substantial damage during the accident sequence. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter. Review of performance documents in the Pilot's Operating Handbook for the helicopter revealed that it was loaded 94 pounds above the maximum gross weight and 120 pounds above the maximum allowable gross weight for out-of-ground-effect hover maneuvers for the environmental conditions present at the time of the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
During the takeoff, about 20 feet above the hilltop helipad, the pilot "felt a downdraft hit the helicopter." He stated that he corrected with a collective input, but "got low rpm," and responded with collective and cyclic control inputs. The helicopter descended and impacted the down-sloping hillside, and came to rest on its side, which resulted in substantial damage. When asked if there were any mechanical problems with the helicopter prior to the accident, the pilot stated, "No, it was perfect." Review of performance documents in the Pilot's Operating Handbook revealed that the helicopter was loaded 94 pounds above the manufacturer's maximum gross weight and 120 pounds above the maximum allowable gross weight for out of ground effect hover maneuvers for the environmental conditions present at the time of the accident.