Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to land.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
The pilot and non-rated passenger were conducting a wildlife survey of a ranch. The pilot transported his helicopter to the ranch on a trailer and launched from the trailer. According to the pilot he was maneuvering to land on a ranch road at about 50-60 feet and turned into the wind. During the turn he got too slow and the low rotor horn sounded and the low rotor light illuminated. He was unable to recover the descent or go around, resulting in a hard landing. During the landing a main rotor contacted the tail boom. An examination of the helicopter revealed the tail boom separated from the fuselage.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN08CA148