Accident Overview
On February 13, 2016, at approximately 1500 Pacific standard time, a Bell 47G-3B-1 helicopter, registration N1181W, sustained substantial damage while attempting to land at Carson Airport in Carson City, Nevada. The private pilot and a pilot-rated passenger received minor injuries. The helicopter was registered to and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight had originated from Carson Airport about 1315.
Pilot's Account
According to a written statement from the pilot, he had completed three previous takeoffs and landings without incident. During the fourth landing attempt, while transitioning to a hover, he noticed the rotor RPM was slightly low. He attempted to increase RPM by adding power but received no response, causing the helicopter to settle onto the taxiway. He then raised the collective in an effort to return to a hover, but the rotor RPM remained low. As he continued to try to increase RPM, the helicopter began to yaw and drift to the right. The right skid contacted the ground off the right side of the taxiway, initiating a dynamic rollover. The helicopter rolled onto its right side and came to rest in the dirt beside the taxiway.
Pilot's Comments
The pilot stated that he was new to this helicopter model and that it was likely he allowed the rotor RPM to decay to a point from which recovery was not possible. He also reported no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the helicopter that would have prevented normal operation.