Incident Overview
A pilot was conducting a low-altitude flight over a ranch to locate stray cattle. The flight lasted approximately one hour before the pilot noticed the helicopter losing altitude while flying over a mesa ridge. The helicopter's main rotor blades subsequently struck cedars estimated to be 10 to 15 feet in height, causing the helicopter to roll to the right and impact the ground.
Environmental Conditions
The density altitude at the time of the occurrence was calculated to be approximately 7,938 feet. The out-of-ground-effect hover capability of the helicopter under the prevailing weather conditions was calculated to be 5,200 feet. The difference between the density altitude and the hover capability indicates that the helicopter was operating in conditions that exceeded its performance limits for hover out of ground effect.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to search for stray cattle on his ranch. After about an hour of searching, while continuing the search on a mesa ridge, the helicopter began to lose altitude. The pilot did not specify any mechanical issues or other factors that may have contributed to the loss of altitude. The impact with the trees led to the helicopter rolling onto its right side before hitting the ground.
Damage and Outcome
The helicopter sustained damage from the impact with the ground and the tree strike. No information was provided regarding injuries to the pilot or any other individuals, nor about the subsequent condition of the aircraft beyond the described damage.