Event Overview
A helicopter accident occurred during an approach to an elevated concrete helipad. Prior to the accident, a pilot and a pilot-rated passenger, who was also a rotorcraft flight instructor, had performed two approaches and landings to a helipad without incident. They then elected to fly to another helipad.
Sequence of Events
The pilot-rated passenger flew an approach to a hover above the second helipad without incident. After the helicopter departed that helipad, the pilot attempted an approach. During a steep approach, the helicopter descended below the level of the helipad. The pilot increased collective control input, causing the rotor RPM to droop. The helicopter subsequently landed short of the helipad.
Impact and Damage
During the landing, the helicopter impacted the side of the helipad. Examination revealed substantial damage: the firewall and lower fuselage were crushed, and the left skid collapsed.