Incident Overview
A helicopter pilot reported that during a max-performance takeoff, the aircraft cleared an obstacle, but when forward flight was attempted, the main rotor RPM decreased. The pilot stated that despite efforts to recover rotor RPM and maintain altitude, the situation required selecting a landing area.
Sequence of Events
After the RPM decay, the pilot initially chose a landing area but changed the site due to persons present on the beach. During the approach to the new landing site, the pilot increased collective pitch, which caused a further decay in rotor RPM. The aircraft subsequently impacted the terrain in a level attitude with a high rate of sink.
Environmental Conditions
The outside air temperature at the time of the flight was approximately 95 degrees Fahrenheit. No other weather conditions were reported.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported executing a max-performance takeoff, which involved clearing an obstacle before transitioning to forward flight. Upon noticing the main rotor RPM decrease, the pilot was unable to recover the RPM or maintain altitude. The decision to change landing sites due to beachgoers preceded the final collective input that worsened the RPM decay.
Impact Details
The aircraft struck the ground in a level attitude but with a high sink rate, indicating a hard landing. The specific damage to the aircraft or injuries to persons were not stated in the report.