Accident Details
A helicopter experienced a loss of tail rotor effectiveness while maneuvering to land in a field, resulting in substantial damage upon impact with power lines, a garage, and terrain. The accident occurred during an approach to a field, according to the pilot's report.
Pilot's Account
In his accident report, the pilot stated that after exiting a turn near a group of buildings, the helicopter experienced a definite loss of tail rotor effectiveness, causing it to rotate to the right. He immediately applied forward cyclic and lowered the collective. After one to two rotations and losing altitude, the pilot realized that this correction would not prevent the helicopter from hitting a two-story house directly below. He then focused on avoiding the house and attempting to reach a field across the street.
The pilot raised the collective, which increased the rotation but slowed the descent rate. While maneuvering toward the open area, the helicopter struck power lines and then fell nearly vertically onto its forward and left side on a driveway between a garage and the street.