Incident Overview
During his first solo flight in a helicopter, a pilot who held a commercial certificate but was a student in helicopter flying experienced a loss of control while practicing approaches to a grassy area adjacent to a runway. The pilot had accumulated over 15,000 total hours in airplanes but only approximately 13 hours of helicopter experience.
Approach and Loss of Control
The pilot was making approaches to a grassy area beside a runway. On one approach, he transitioned from a 60-knot approach to a hover. The approach was conducted on a heading of 240 degrees in variable wind conditions that prevailed from 205 degrees at 5 knots. According to reports, the pilot flared and stopped his forward movement at about 4 feet above ground level (AGL); however, the nose continued to rise and the helicopter began yawing to the right. The helicopter then turned approximately 270 degrees to the right, and the main rotor blades struck the ground.
Engine RPM Indication
The pilot recalled seeing an indication of 2,800 engine RPM before he lost control. A certified flight instructor stated that 2,800 RPM was marginal for maintaining directional control.
Outcome
The helicopter sustained damage from the main rotor blade strike. No injuries were reported.