Accident Details
A helicopter conducting a new hire checkout flight touched down on the downside portion of a hill, struck a tree, and became inverted during the landing. The purpose of the flight was to retrieve a door that had come off in flight the day prior to the accident.
Approach and Reconnaissance
During the approach for landing, the new hire pilot performed a high and low reconnaissance of the area to check for wind direction and verify the landing area was clear of obstructions. About 100 feet from the intended touchdown point, the wind changed direction and became a tailwind.
Power and RPM Issues
The pilot attempted to compensate for the loss of altitude by increasing power, but the engine did not have enough power. The helicopter remained controllable with full left rudder. The helicopter started to settle, and the engine and rotor rpm were decaying.
Control Takeover and Recovery Attempt
When the new hire pilot attempted to fly downhill to regain rpm, he felt resistance on the controls but did not recall the check pilot indicating that he was going to take the controls. The check pilot instructed the other pilot to verify his rpm and verbalized that he was taking the flight controls. He then attempted a low rpm recovery by reducing the collective and rolling on the throttle. However, he noted that the throttle was already in the full on position. He attempted to recover rpm by moving the collective up and down to clear the ridgeline.
Outcome
The helicopter continued to settle and landed hard. No discrepancies were noted with engine power.