Incident Overview
A helicopter pilot reported that during takeoff on runway 19, the aircraft was brought to a hover and began acceleration. At approximately 100 feet above ground level and 100 knots, the helicopter entered clouds without visible warning. The runway remained visible beneath the helicopter.
Aborted Takeoff and Descent
The pilot initiated an abort, beginning a level deceleration. Immediately after, he lowered the collective, and the front-seat paramedic noted a decrease in rotor RPM. The pilot glanced inside to check the instruments. When he looked back outside about one second later, the first visible references were trees and bushes rapidly approaching.
Hard Landing and Recovery
The pilot applied maximum torque, and within one to two seconds, the helicopter landed level and hard just off the side of the runway near its end. The helicopter bounced into the air after impact. The pilot regained control, brought the helicopter to a hover, and observed that it was dangerously close to bushes and trees. He maneuvered away from the tree line toward the runway and landed at the helipad.
Post-Accident Observations
After landing, the right rear of the helicopter was noted to be lower than normal. All occupants exited the helicopter without assistance. The operator stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter or any of its systems prior to the accident. An FAA inspector noted that the landing skids were splayed outward, consistent with a hard landing. Damage was observed to the bottom of the enclosure surrounding the tail rotor blade.