Incident Overview
A helicopter sustained damage after contacting the ground during a flight intended to photograph an automobile on a dry lake bed. The pilot was transporting a producer and a cameraman for the aerial photography session.
Flight Maneuver
According to the pilot, the helicopter began orbiting a forward-moving car from an initial altitude between 50 and 100 feet above ground level, with an airspeed between 40 and 50 knots. The orbit was approximately half completed when the helicopter started to 'come up' behind the car, and the aircraft entered an uncommanded descent.
Pilot Actions and Outcome
The pilot attempted to arrest the descent by applying aft cyclic and full engine power, but was unable to stop the descent. Subsequently, the helicopter contacted the ground and was damaged. The local wind was reported to be less than 5 knots at the time of the accident.
Mechanical Condition
Reportedly, there was no mechanical malfunction of the helicopter. The investigation did not identify any preexisting mechanical issues that could have contributed to the loss of altitude.