Summary
A helicopter operating as an aerial sightseeing concession experienced a hard landing after attempting a downwind takeoff from a raised helipad, referred to as a pinnacle. The aircraft failed to sustain flight and impacted the ground with significant force.
Details of the Event
According to witnesses at the scene, the helicopter departed from the pinnacle in a generally easterly direction. When questioned about the wind conditions at the time of takeoff, the pilot reported westerly winds of approximately 6 to 8 knots. The takeoff direction was therefore downwind relative to the reported wind.
Pilot Statement
During an interview, the pilot stated that after clearing the pinnacle, he perceived a loss of power. He reported being unable to maintain rotor RPM even with the throttle fully open. The helicopter subsequently descended and landed hard.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident inspection of the helicopter revealed no defects in either the airframe or the powerplant. The investigation determined that the aircraft was too heavily loaded to hover out of ground effect at the density altitude of the accident site, which was 2500 feet. Additionally, the center of gravity was found to be outside the allowable range. These conditions likely affected the helicopter's performance and controllability during the downwind takeoff.
Conclusion
The accident involved a sightseeing helicopter that, after a downwind departure from a pinnacle, was unable to maintain flight and landed hard. The investigation identified the aircraft's weight and center of gravity as contributing factors, though no mechanical defects were discovered.