Accident Details
During an attempt to depart on a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight, control of the helicopter was lost and the aircraft struck the ground. The helicopter was not equipped with dual controls. The flying pilot and the owner/pilot in command (PIC), who occupied the left front seat, did not hold a rotorcraft-helicopter rating. The PIC had previously flown helicopters, including the accident helicopter.
Initial Reports
Initially, the owner/PIC and the flying pilot, who was also a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designated medical examiner, reported to authorities that a passenger had fallen out of a pickup truck. Later, the owner/PIC reported to the safety board that he was preflighting the helicopter with the engine running when it rolled over.
Investigation Findings
The post-accident investigation revealed that the helicopter struck the ground under high power in a left, nose down attitude. Evidence indicated that the pilot flying was the pilot with no previous helicopter experience.