Incident Overview
A helicopter accident occurred during a takeoff attempt from a hover near a taxiway. According to a witness, the helicopter transitioned westward with "low power indications" and "multiple yaws." The helicopter then settled to the ground and struck a fuel trailer located adjacent to the taxiway.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that he transitioned the helicopter to a hover and taxied adjacent to the taxiway. When he attempted a forward takeoff from the hover, the "low rotor rpm warning sounded, the helicopter lost lift," and he performed a "running landing." The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter during the flight.
Inspection Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector confirmed that there was nothing mechanically wrong with the helicopter. However, the accident resulted in the separation of one tail rotor blade and the stabilizer from the tail boom.
Conclusion
The accident sequence involved a low rotor rpm warning during takeoff, leading to a loss of lift and a running landing that ended with a collision with a fuel trailer. The helicopter sustained damage to the tail rotor and stabilizer.