Accident Sequence
After refueling, a pilot departed north from a helipad with an observer aboard. The helicopter overflew a 50-foot building located 141 feet from the pad. The helicopter started to shudder over the building and shuddered again when it crossed a powerline located 292 feet from the pad. The observer reported the helicopter performed a right, flat turn. The helicopter impacted the top crossbeam of a powerline pole, then impacted the ground in a right skid down, nose low attitude. A fire erupted. The pilot was initially pinned in the wreckage, but the observer and a truck driver who arrived at the scene were able to extricate the pilot.
Investigation Findings
Investigation revealed evidence of continuity in the flight controls and engine, but the magnetos were fire-damaged and could not be tested. Performance calculations indicated that power required for a 50-foot hover out of ground effect (HOGE) would have been 154 horsepower, while power available should have been 173 horsepower. The local airport's Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) indicated winds from 100 degrees at 7 knots. The wind sock at the helicopter pad was not functional. For takeoff, the pilot had the option to depart the helipad on a heading of 140 degrees, or to depart on a heading of 320 degrees after back-taxiing about 150 feet for additional takeoff distance.
Pilot and Observer Details
The pilot received serious burns and head injuries. He was wearing a polyester-based police uniform and no flight helmet or gloves. The observer was wearing a Nomex flight suit and boots, but no helmet or gloves.