Summary
A helicopter engaged in filming a downhill skateboard race in mountainous terrain made a forced landing after the low rotor warning activated. The aircraft came to rest on its nose, sustaining substantial damage to the main rotor, skid tubes, and tail boom. Post-accident examination revealed no mechanical anomalies.
Event Details
The helicopter was following participants in the downhill skateboard race. The pilot had just executed a left pedal turn, positioning the helicopter facing upslope toward the mountain. Shortly thereafter, the low rotor warning sounded. In response, the pilot lowered the collective and increased throttle. The pilot reported that the engine did not respond to the throttle input, prompting him to continue lowering the collective while searching for a suitable landing area.
During the forced landing on downsloping terrain, the helicopter settled onto its nose. The impact caused substantial damage to the main rotor system, skid tubes, and tail boom.
Investigation
A post-accident examination of the helicopter, engine, and associated systems was conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The inspection revealed no anomalies or pre-existing mechanical issues.
Environmental factors were considered: the density altitude was calculated to be 10,600 feet. The pilot had calculated the in-ground-effect hover capability at 8,500 feet pressure altitude, and the out-of-ground-effect hover at 5,000 feet pressure altitude. The estimated gross weight of the helicopter at the time of the accident was 2,320 pounds.