Accident Overview
A helicopter conducting a local pleasure flight crashed into trees after experiencing a loss of rotor and engine RPM. The accident occurred while the aircraft was hovering out of ground effect.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, during a hover out of ground effect, the main rotor and engine RPM decreased below the minimum operating limits. The pilot lowered the collective control in an attempt to regain RPM, but the effort was unsuccessful. Subsequently, the main rotor blades struck several trees, and the helicopter descended straight down to the ground.
Environmental Conditions
The accident site was located at an elevation of 3,500 feet above mean sea level (MSL). The temperature at the time was 81 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a density altitude of approximately 5,300 feet MSL.
Pilot and Passenger Statements
The pilot and one passenger, who was also a pilot, stated that there was nothing mechanically wrong with the aircraft. No further details regarding the cause of the RPM loss were provided.