Accident Details
On October 6, 2018, at 1437 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II, N611TH, was substantially damaged during an accident near Salinas, California. The pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff while turning onto the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern, he noticed an immediate low rotor speed, a loss of engine power, and the helicopter yawed to the left. The helicopter was at an altitude of 600 ft mean sea level. The pilot increased power, but both the engine and rotor rpm continued to decrease rapidly. He then lowered the collective to regain and maintain rotor rpm and initiated an autorotation to an agricultural field. The helicopter landed hard, and a rotor blade severed the tail boom.
The pilot also reported experiencing the same malfunctions—low rotor speed and loss of engine power—during a flight on July 25, 2018. On that occasion, he was able to land the helicopter without incident.
Examination Findings
A postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed faulty wiring to the engine governor. A mechanic who conducted the examination stated that the wiring was "cut and stripped by an automatic machine at the Robinson factory."