Incident Overview
A helicopter operating as part of the Federal Government's predator control program was involved in an accident while pursuing a coyote. The pilot reported flying north with a passenger when they entered a draw. The coyote turned east, and the helicopter flew over it at low airspeed and altitude. The pilot experienced trouble maintaining rotor rpm.
Pilot Actions
Facing higher terrain to the front and left, the pilot chose to turn east with the intention of exiting the draw to the south. Trees and rough terrain forced him to continue eastward. Finding himself below a draw, the pilot pulled collective control, which aggravated the low rpm condition. The helicopter cleared the rim, but on the other side, the ground sloped downward at approximately 40 degrees. The pilot attempted to stretch the descent toward flatter terrain for a run-on landing. The helicopter impacted the terrain and sustained substantial damage.
Inspection Findings
An FAA inspector who examined the scene stated, "There is no apparent reason for the helicopter to have lost rpm." A review of the pilot's records indicated only 14 hours of flight time in the preceding 90 days, no training in the last three years, and a biennial flight review that was almost 20 months overdue.