Helicopter Accident During Low-Altitude Maneuvering in Rising Terrain (N117SR)

Accident Description

A helicopter was being maneuvered at low altitude and into rising terrain while performing a racetrack pattern. During the third right turn of the pattern, witnesses observed the aircraft descend slightly, roll into a bank of 45 degrees or greater, and contact trees. Following the tree contact, the helicopter began a yawing rotation to the right and struck the ground at approximately a 35-degree angle of descent while traveling backward.

Occupant Egress

All seven occupants successfully exited the aircraft through the right doors after the accident.

Operational Context

The flight was a single-pilot operation. The investigation noted that task load and mission pressures were high at the time of the accident.