Incident Overview
A helicopter sustained substantial damage during a hard landing at a grass field destination after a short night flight. The pilot, who had departed from a local football field, reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions.
Flight Details
The pilot reported that the flight was conducted at night under visual flight rules (VFR) in what he described as good weather. After departing, the helicopter climbed to an altitude of 1,400 feet MSL for the 4-mile journey. Descent began approximately 1 mile from the destination.
Pilot Report
During the approach, the pilot stated that he "noticed and was consumed with Engine & Rotor RPM, in the Yellow." Subsequently, the helicopter stopped moving forward and began moving backward. The aircraft then landed hard in a level attitude on the grass at the intended landing site.
Weather Conditions
According to a METAR from a station 7 miles northwest of the accident site, conditions around the time of the incident included an overcast ceiling at 1,400 feet AGL and visibility of 10 statute miles.
Damage
The hard landing resulted in substantial damage to the main and tail rotor drive systems and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation prior to the event.