Incident Overview
A helicopter made an off-airport landing in scrub brush, resulting in damage to the aircraft. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The pilot reported that the helicopter experienced a loss of effective translational lift (ETL) during an approach to a transient helipad.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the helicopter was approximately 80 feet above ground level (AGL) and on short final when it lost ETL. The pilot lowered the collective and added power. He stated that due to the high density altitude, the helicopter would not hover out of ground effect. The pilot aborted the landing attempt and tried to regain ETL, but the helicopter continued a slow descent.
At about 20 feet AGL, the pilot attempted to flare and applied full collective. The helicopter landed in small trees and scrub brush, remaining upright with the engine running and blades turning. The pilot and passenger exited the helicopter without injury.
Outcome
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical issues with the helicopter. The density altitude was calculated to be in excess of 7,800 feet. The helicopter sustained damage from the off-airport landing.