Introduction
A helicopter flight conducted without the employer's authorization resulted in a hard landing in a hay field following a low rotor RPM warning. The pilot stated that the flight was personal, intended to show property to a passenger.
Flight Details
The pilot reported that during a right turn, the engine low rotor RPM warning sounded. In response, the pilot executed an autorotation maneuver to manage the descent. The helicopter subsequently made a hard landing in a hay field.
Accident Sequence
Upon touchdown, the tail boom was severed by the main rotor blades. The helicopter sustained damage consistent with the hard landing and subsequent rotor blade contact.
Post-Crash Examination
A post-crash examination revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure of the aircraft or engine. The examination confirmed that the aircraft systems were functional and that the accident was not precipitated by a mechanical issue.