Accident Details
A commercial pilot was conducting a photo flight with two passengers aboard a four-seat helicopter. The helicopter had been in a zero-airspeed, out-of-ground-effect hover at approximately 40 to 50 feet above the ground for about 15 seconds. At that point, the pilot applied power to begin a vertical climb. According to the pilot, he suddenly and without warning lost directional control. The helicopter began to spin to the right, and his application of full left pedal had no effect. The pilot initiated an autorotation, and the helicopter landed hard on rough, rocky, sloping terrain between several trees.
Damage and Injuries
The accident caused substantial damage to the fuselage and airframe. The left skid gear partially collapsed and penetrated into the left rear passenger cabin floor area. The upper pylon was noticeably bent and wrinkled, and both main rotor blades were damaged. An on-scene investigation by an FAA maintenance inspector confirmed continuity and no apparent damage to the flight controls. There was no post-crash fire. The pilot and front seat passenger reported no injuries. The left rear seat passenger suffered minor injuries and had to be carried out of the aircraft.
Weather Conditions
The pilot reported that surface winds were light and variable, visibility was 10 statute miles, scattered clouds at 3,000 feet, temperature 88 degrees Fahrenheit, and altimeter setting 30.01 inches of mercury.