Accident Details
A commercial pilot with 514 total flight hours was conducting a photo mission with three passengers on board in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. While orbiting a neighborhood at an altitude of approximately 500 feet above ground level at 40 knots, the helicopter suddenly pitched up and entered an uncommanded right spin. The pilot applied left anti-torque pedal, but there was no response.
Sequence of Events
The pilot then lowered the nose and followed the right turn. In an attempt to stop the rotation, he lowered the collective, which appeared to help. However, he then saw a row of power lines in front of him, so he pulled back on the cyclic and up on the collective to clear them. The helicopter subsequently turned 180 degrees and impacted the roof of a house, where it came to rest.
Post-Accident Observations
The pilot and the passengers reported that a military Black Hawk helicopter was hovering above them as they exited the helicopter, and assisted in their recovery.
Operator's Concern
The operator was concerned that the Black Hawk's proximity to the helicopter may have caused excessive downwash, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
Pilot's Statement
The pilot said that he had seen many military helicopters operating in the area and was unable to confirm that the Black Hawk had contributed to the accident. He was unsure as to what caused the loss of tail rotor effectiveness.