Departure and Loss of Control
The pilot and passenger were departing from a lot that was surrounded by obstructions. According to the pilot, he took off in a hover. As the helicopter passed trees at about 70 feet and an airspeed of 30 to 35 knots, it began spinning to the right. The pilot reported that he attempted to stop the turn with left pedal input, which did not correct the problem.
Autorotation and Landing
Faced with the uncontrolled rotation, the pilot entered an autorotation to a road. During the autorotative landing, the helicopter touched down hard, resulting in damage to the underside of the airframe. Witnesses reported that the main rotor blades clipped a tree, but no blade damage was reported.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination revealed no preimpact mechanical discrepancies. According to the height-velocity diagram in the R22 operating handbook, directional control was lost when the helicopter was outside the area for the 'recommended take-off profile' (airspeed/altitude envelope for a successful autorotation).