On January 27, 1998, a Kaman K-1200 (registration N135KA) was involved in an aviation accident near Bloomfield, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during autorotation, which resulted in an unleveled attitude touchdown, roll over, and collision with the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a familiarization flight, a helicopter drifted left at 5 ft AGL during a hovering autorotation, touched down on left landing gear, and came to rest on its side. No mechanical failure was found.
Incident
A pilot on a familiarization flight of a new helicopter was performing maneuvers in the traffic pattern. After successfully completing hovering, several takeoffs and landings, and two hovering autorotations, he discontinued his maneuvers due to traffic and requested to use a pad near a plant. During a hovering autorotation at 5 feet above ground level, the helicopter suddenly drifted to the left. Despite the pilot's efforts to correct with right cyclic, the helicopter continued to roll to the left. It touched down on the left main landing gear, followed by the nosewheel, and came to rest on its left side.
Pilot Experience
The helicopter had accumulated 12 total hours at the time of the event. The pilot had 9 hours of experience in this make and model.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the wreckage did not disclose any evidence of mechanical malfunction with the helicopter or engine, and the pilot did not report any such issue.