Accident Overview
Approximately ten minutes after takeoff, just prior to a letdown from 350 feet above ground level, the drag strut of a main rotor blade failed. The failure was attributed to progressive fatigue through a threaded portion of the strut.
Failure Sequence
Following the strut failure, the pilot experienced only partial control of the helicopter. At one point, control was lost entirely, but the pilot managed to regain it in time to perform a hard, sliding landing in a field. The entire sequence of events unfolded within 10 to 15 seconds. The landing resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private certificate for fixed-wing aircraft and a student certificate for rotorcraft.