Accident Sequence
The pilot/owner reported that the helicopter was at or near its maximum allowable gross weight and required maximum engine power to hover in ground effect. After a brief local flight, the pilot completed an approach to a parallel taxiway beyond the parking area. Instead of performing a 180-degree pedal turn over the pavement to reverse course, the pilot initiated a teardrop-shaped turn. The helicopter turned to the right below effective translational lift (ETL) airspeed. As the terrain sloped away from beneath the helicopter, it transitioned to an out-of-ground effect condition, which required higher power. The engine could not produce the necessary power to maintain full operating rotor rpm. The helicopter then descended below the height of the taxiway, and the pilot attempted to perform a landing on rough, sloping terrain. During the landing, the helicopter rolled over and came to rest on its side.
Pilot Comments
Following the accident, the pilot stated that the helicopter was performing "beautifully" during the accident sequence. He provided a comprehensive review of the events and suggested that better preflight and inflight performance planning, as well as inflight power management, would have prevented the accident.