Hard landing Accident Robinson R44 II N424DP, Saturday 13 April 2013

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Date:	Saturday 13 April 2013
Time:	11:15 LT
Type:	Robinson R44 II
Owner/operator:	Double D Choppers LLC
Registration:	N424DP
MSN:	11036
Year of manufacture:	2005
Total airframe hrs:	940 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 4
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Buffalo, South Dakota - United States of America
Phase:	Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Buffalo, SD
Destination airport:	Buffalo, SD
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot stated that, while maneuvering during a sightseeing flight at an altitude of between 100 and 150 feet and an airspeed of 50 knots, he reversed course into a strong, gusting tailwind. After making the turn, the low-rotor rpm horn activated. The pilot lowered the collective and executed an emergency landing to uneven terrain, during which the tail boom and landing gear separated from the fuselage of the helicopter. An examination of the airframe and engine, which included a successful functional test of the engine, revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm while maneuvering at a low altitude in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an emergency landing on uneven terrain.

Accident investigation: