Incident Overview
A helicopter pilot reported initiating a downwind takeoff in a 10-knot wind, followed by a climb over water. As the helicopter reached approximately 50 feet above ground level (AGL) and an airspeed of 20 knots, it began to spin to the right. The pilot allowed the helicopter to rotate until reaching landfall, an estimated 200 to 500 feet away, then performed an autorotative landing into a marshy area. During the landing, the helicopter settled onto its right side and sustained substantial damage.
Witness Observation
A witness reported that the takeoff appeared normal until the helicopter began to spin.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the tail rotor drive shaft, transmission, main rotor, tail rotor controls, and tail rotor gear box found no evidence of preimpact malfunction.
Performance Considerations
According to performance charts, the helicopter should have been controllable for either takeoff or hover in the prevailing conditions. The air temperature was reported to be 95 degrees Fahrenheit.