Accident Overview
A helicopter on a sight-seeing flight with two pilots and two passengers experienced a hard landing during approach. The incident occurred when the pilot-in-command allowed the aircraft to slow down and enter a high sink rate at an altitude of 100 to 150 feet above ground level. Contributing conditions included high gross weight, high-density altitude, and low wind.
Sequence of Events
While approaching to land, the helicopter's speed decreased, leading to a high sink rate. The pilot-in-command attempted to recover from the sink rate. During this recovery, the helicopter experienced a loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE), causing it to begin spinning. The safety pilot then took control and successfully stopped the spin. Despite the recovery, the helicopter landed hard.
Probable Cause
The pilot-in-command allowed the helicopter to slow and enter a high sink rate. In attempting to recover, loss of tail rotor effectiveness occurred, leading to a spin and subsequent hard landing.