Accident Details
On August 15, 2011, at 1650 mountain daylight time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration N828PM, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during a landing approach at a remote hunting lodge near Ocate, New Mexico. The helicopter was owned and operated by a private individual. The pilot was seriously injured and the passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The helicopter was returning from a local flight.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that while flying about 40 feet above power lines at an altitude of 80 to 150 feet above ground level and an airspeed of 10 to 15 knots, a gust of wind caused the helicopter's nose to begin an uncommanded turn to the left. The pilot then received a low rotor warning and experienced a loss of engine power. In response, he lowered the collective pitch lever, applied right pedal, and kept the throttle at full. The helicopter continued to spin, completing two to three full 360-degree rotations before impacting the terrain. During the impact, the skid landing gear collapsed, and the lower fuselage and tail boom sustained substantial damage. The helicopter came to rest mostly upright. There was adequate fuel on board, but no fuel spill or post-impact fire occurred.
Post-Accident Examination
According to a carburetor icing probability chart, an engine operating in the ambient conditions at the time of the accident could expect a serious risk of carburetor icing while at cruise power. The pilot reported that he had possibly failed to use sufficient carburetor heat during the flight and believed that was the reason for the loss of engine power. An examination of the helicopter revealed no preimpact mechanical failures or anomalies that would have prevented normal operations.