What happened
During the initial phase of a flight, the pilot reported reducing engine power while the helicopter was climbing out. Despite the engine continuing to operate normally, the rotor RPM decreased significantly as the aircraft ascended to an altitude of approximately 10 feet above the ground. The incident occurred while the pilot was attempting to depart from a confined area, a maneuver that requires specific techniques and power management to ensure safety.
The investigation
A thorough examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine the mechanical status of the aircraft at the time of the event. The inspection failed to disclose any system malfunctions or failures within the helicopter's systems. This finding suggests that the issue was not related to equipment failure but rather to operational factors during the takeoff sequence.
Findings
The investigation concluded that the pilot had used improper takeoff procedures for the specific terrain conditions encountered. The pilot possessed limited experience, with only 10 hours of flight time in the F-28A aircraft type. This lack of familiarity likely contributed to the inability to manage the power and rotor RPM correctly during the critical climbout phase from a confined area.
Safety message
Pilots operating helicopters from confined areas must ensure they are thoroughly trained in the specific procedures required for such conditions. Adequate experience in the aircraft type is essential to safely manage power settings and rotor RPM during takeoff and initial climb.