Accident Details
A helicopter was conducting a predator control mission when the pilot spotted wild hogs in an approximate 20-acre field of Salt Cedar trees. The pilot made a quick stop at an out-of-ground effect (OGE) hover in an attempt to move the hogs out into the open. During this maneuver, the low rotor RPM horn and light activated. The pilot immediately stopped to regain rotor RPM.
Sequence of Events
As the aircraft approached the edge of the trees towards an open field, the wind stopped and the rotor RPM dropped to approximately 90 percent. The pilot observed an increase in airframe vibration followed by a hard left roll. The helicopter main rotor blades struck the ground in a 90-degree bank and the aircraft came to rest on its left side.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot was not injured. The passenger sustained minor injuries. The helicopter came to rest on its left side after the main rotor blades struck the ground.
Weight Considerations
According to the pilot, the approximate gross weight at the time of the accident was 1,370 pounds. The helicopter performance charts indicated that the maximum weight for an out-of-ground effect hover under the existing weather conditions was 1,320 pounds.