Accident Summary
On May 8, 2013, at 0913 eastern daylight time, a SUD Aviation SA 318C (Aerospatiale Alouette II) helicopter, registration N318DB, operated by Mile Hi Inc, was substantially damaged during impact with a swamp following an uncontrolled descent from a hover near South Bay, Florida. The commercial pilot and three passengers were not injured.
Flight Information
The local aerial observation flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight departed a boat dock near Weston, Florida, at 0713. The passengers were conducting a deer population survey. Prior to departure, the helicopter was fueled to approximately 105 gallons. Most of the flight was conducted about 200 feet above ground level at 60 knots.
Pilot Account
Toward the end of the flight, a passenger asked to get a closer look at a particular area of vegetation. The pilot descended from 200 feet to a hover about 25 feet agl, approximately 30 yards from the intended spot, on a southerly heading, over saw grass. He then side-stepped the helicopter to the right, over to his intended spot, which was above willow trees. As the helicopter neared the willow trees, it began to yaw right and descend. The pilot corrected the yaw and increased collective pitch; however, the helicopter continued to descend. He then moved the cyclic forward in an attempt to fly through effective translational lift, but the descent continued and the helicopter impacted the swamp, coming to rest on its right side. During the impact, the main rotor blades and fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Passenger Reports
The three passengers reported that they did not hear any warning noises or notice anything abnormal as the helicopter descended to the ground.
GPS Data
A handheld GPS receiver was recovered from one of the passengers and forwarded to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Laboratory. Data were successfully downloaded and plotted; however, the data points did not include time or altitude.
Weight and Balance
Review of weight and balance information recovered from the cockpit revealed that at the time of the accident, the helicopter weighed about 3,250 pounds, which was 400 pounds below its maximum gross weight of 3,650 pounds.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage was examined by representatives from the airframe and engine manufacturer, under the supervision of an FAA inspector. The examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airframe or engine. Adequate fuel remained in the fuel tank, and both the fuel control unit and emergency fuel shut-off valve were in the off position, consistent with the pilot securing the helicopter after the accident. The examination also noted that the cockpit indication of the main rotor pitch angle was 20 degrees (16 degrees after power was applied), with redline at 15 degrees.
Weather
The recorded wind at an airport located about 25 miles east at 0853 was from 290 degrees at 3 knots.