Accident Overview
A recently certificated 200-pound pilot and his 190-pound passenger landed without difficulty at a site with an elevation of 4,000 feet above mean sea level. Approximately 15 minutes later, with an air temperature of 92 degrees Fahrenheit, they attempted to take off.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff attempt, the helicopter climbed to about 30 feet above the ground. At that point, the rotor RPM decreased, and the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The helicopter subsequently descended and struck trees.
Environmental Conditions
The computed density altitude at the time of the accident was approximately 6,950 feet. The elevated density altitude, resulting from the high temperature and high field elevation, likely affected the helicopter's performance.