Incident Details
During takeoff from a hilltop helipad, the helicopter climbed to approximately 20 feet above the pad. The pilot reported feeling a downdraft and applied collective input to correct. The rotor RPM decreased, and the pilot responded with additional collective and cyclic inputs. The helicopter then descended and impacted the down-sloping hillside, coming to rest on its side. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the helicopter.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the helicopter prior to the accident, describing it as "perfect." When questioned about the sequence of events, the pilot explained that after feeling the downdraft and correcting, the rotor RPM became low, requiring further control inputs.
Weight Analysis
A review of the helicopter's performance documents from the Pilot's Operating Handbook showed that at the time of the accident, the helicopter was loaded 94 pounds above the manufacturer's maximum gross weight. Additionally, it was 120 pounds above the maximum allowable gross weight for out-of-ground-effect hover maneuvers, given the environmental conditions present.