Accident
A dual turbine-engine helicopter, operated by an airline transport certified pilot, sustained substantial damage after a hard landing and rollover on a road near a 14,110-foot mountain. The pilot received minor injuries, while three passengers were uninjured.
Circumstances
The pilot was conducting a flight to film an automobile driving up a road adjacent to the mountain. He reported having operated around the mountain several times a year over the previous 24 years, employing a flight profile designed to minimize risks. A sharp turn in the road near the peak required the pilot to fly outbound from the mountain and make a gentle 180-degree turn to continue filming the automobile.
While flying outbound from the mountain, conditions were normal. However, after completing the 180-degree turn and flying inbound toward the mountain, the helicopter encountered a downdraft that pushed it toward the rising terrain. At the altitude, helicopter performance did not provide a power margin sufficient to "power out" of the descent. The pilot elected to land on the road rather than risk a turn down the rocky mountain slope. The helicopter touched down hard and rolled over, coming to rest on its left side.
Damage and Injuries
The helicopter was substantially damaged. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and the three passengers were not injured.