What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-12-30 involved an Enstrom 280C, registration N175BM, at Pedricktown, NJ.

Pilot Error Cited in Helicopter Autorotation Accident During First Solo Flight (N175BM)

On December 30, 2004, an Enstrom 280C (registration N175BM) was involved in an aviation accident near Pedricktown, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Pilot error. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During a first solo flight, a helicopter pilot's diverted attention led to engine and rotor rpm decay below the green zone, prompting an autorotation that resulted in a hard landing, bounce, and rollover. No mechanical abnormalities were reported.

Accident Sequence

The accident occurred during the pilot's first solo flight in the helicopter. During takeoff, the pilot made adjustments to the cyclic and collective controls. At some point, his attention was diverted, causing the engine and rotor rpm to decay below the green zone. The pilot subsequently elected to perform an autorotation to a field.

Landing and Aftermath

During the autorotation, the pilot did not perform a landing flare. The helicopter landed hard, bounced, and then rolled onto its side. The pilot reported no mechanical abnormalities with the helicopter and stated that the accident was "a result of pilot error."

Pilot Actions

The pilot's decision to execute an autorotation was in response to the decaying rpm. However, the lack of a landing flare contributed to the hard landing and subsequent rollover. No other factors were mentioned in the source.

Probable cause

Pilot error

2004-12-30: Enstrom 280C (N175BM) — Pedricktown, NJ