Overview
A helicopter pilot with 9 hours of flight time in the make and model attempted to land downwind in a confined area at the Talladega Super Speedway. The chosen landing site measured 168 feet long and 105 feet wide, surrounded on all sides by tall fences and power lines. Open and unconfined areas were located nearby.
Accident Details
Witnesses reported that just before touchdown, the helicopter began to oscillate from side to side. The helicopter then ascended to an estimated height of 25 feet and started to spin in a counterclockwise direction.
Passenger Account
The right front seat passenger recalled bracing his hands on the console and door of the helicopter during the event but did not recall the position of his feet.
Examination Findings
Examination of the aircraft did not reveal any preimpact malfunction of the tail rotor system. Metallurgical examination of fractures on the collective stick, collective stick housing, collective push-pull rod, and rod end from the rotor head revealed no evidence of progressive cracking before impact.