Accident Overview
A helicopter carrying a pilot and two passengers crashed while maneuvering near Pinedale. The three occupants had flown to the area for a fishing trip. The accident occurred during a right turn requested by a passenger, while the helicopter was cruising at an altitude of 400 feet above ground level.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that he reduced the aircraft's speed, decreased the collective, and added right pedal as he entered the turn. The helicopter then began to descend rapidly. Despite the pilot's attempt to correct the descent by applying full collective and aft cyclic control inputs, the aircraft impacted the ground.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the helicopter had been flying low over the area throughout the weekend preceding the accident.
Investigation Findings
A post-crash examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure prior to the accident. The density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be 9,553 feet.
The Basic Helicopter Handbook states that turns should be entered from straight and level flight by applying sideward pressure on the cyclic. It notes that this is the only control movement necessary to initiate a turn and that pedals should not be used to assist the turn.