Event Details
A flight instructor and a private pilot were conducting an approach to a pinnacle landing pad. Before the accident, two previous passes were made, and both pilots estimated the winds to be from the northeast at 8 knots. While approaching the landing pad from the southwest, the flight instructor noticed that the helicopter's rotor rpm were slightly low. He reminded the private pilot to increase power until the rpm were in the green arc of the rpm gauge.
Pilot Actions
The private pilot did not increase power sufficiently to place the rotor rpm in the green arc, and the helicopter began to descend rapidly. The flight instructor then took control of the helicopter, increased power, and attempted to reverse course and travel downhill. Despite these efforts, the helicopter landed hard, bounced, and rolled approximately 1 1/4 times before coming to rest on its right side.
Damage and Inspection
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom. An examination of the airframe by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any pre-impact anomalies. Additionally, neither pilot reported a malfunction of the airframe or engine.