What happened
According to the pilot's account, the flight was proceeding normally until the aircraft began its final approach. During the descent phase intended for a standard landing, the pilot inadvertently moved the throttle to the off position. As the helicopter neared the ground, the sudden loss of power resulted in an uncontrolled descent.
The pilot attempted to recover from the situation by applying collective pitch to arrest the sink rate as the aircraft approached the surface. Despite these efforts, the helicopter was unable to stop its downward motion before impact. The aircraft collided with the ground, resulting in structural damage specifically to the right skid assembly.
The investigation
Following the incident, an assessment of the helicopter's condition was conducted to determine the extent of the damage and any potential mechanical failures that may have contributed to the event. The inspection focused on the landing gear and powerplant systems.
No mechanical problems were reported during the post-accident examination. The failure to maintain flight was attributed solely to the pilot's inadvertent throttle closure rather than a system malfunction or equipment failure.