(Pilot) Started Losing Considerable Lift Accompanied By The Sound Of Blades Whooshing

Location: Durkee, OR Accident Number: WPR25LA034
Date & Time: November 7, 2024, 08:37 Local Registration: N4361R
Aircraft: Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 133: Rotorcraft ext. load

On November 7, 2024, about 0837 Pacific standard time, a Robinson Helicopter Company R-44 II, N4361R, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Durkee, Oregon. The pilot was not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 133 external load flight.

The pilot reported that he picked up the first sling load and his power check was fine. Once at the mountain campsite, he reassessed the winds and power then descended at a rate of about five ft per minute. While over the area where he would drop off the gear to ground members, he started losing considerable lift accompanied by the sound of blades whooshing. He did not hear the low rotor horn sound, but also had his head out of the door while looking at the load. 

He released the load and entered and autorotation. The ground members had moved to the center of the clearing, so the pilot maneuvered to the only feasible landing spot, which was a sloped area between juniper trees. During the descent, the blades struck a tree, the right skid hit the ground, and the helicopter rolled onto its right side, which substantially damaged the main and tail rotor assemblies, and the fuselage.

The pilot estimated the load to be about 410 pounds, and the elevation of the drop off site was about 5,300 ft mean sea level, with a temperature of about 1°C.

The helicopter was recovered to a secure facility for further examination. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov