Accident Details
A helicopter departed from a ranch office for a local flight to spot deer. While cruising at an altitude of approximately 50 feet and an indicated airspeed of about 40 knots, the pilot completed a 360-degree turn. Shortly after, the engine either lost power or, for some other reason, could not maintain adequate rotor RPM. The pilot lowered the collective control in an attempt to increase rotor RPM, but the RPM could not reach the minimum required to sustain flight.
Subsequently, the pilot performed a hard landing. During the landing, the main rotor blade struck the tailboom, severing the boom and approximately 3 feet of the blade. The helicopter came to rest on its side.
Examination
A post-accident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any discrepancies that existed prior to the accident. Investigators were unable to determine the reason for the loss of engine power and rotor RPM.
Outcome
The helicopter sustained substantial damage from the hard landing and the subsequent rotor strike. No information regarding injuries or fatalities was provided in the source material.