LAX02LA093

The helicopter entered into a descent after the pilot allowed the airspeed to slow below translational lift and he failed to maintain adequate main rotor rpm; the helicopter touched down hard on sloping terrain and rolled over. The pilot's passenger had been photographing a residence while the pilot was orbiting around the site, about 100 feet above ground level. While circling, the pilot allowed the helicopter's airspeed to decrease to 30 mph and the rotor rpm decreased. At the time, the helicopter was within about 100 pounds of its maximum gross weight.

On February 24, 2002, about 0920 Pacific standard time, a Saumure Exec 162F, N162KS, rolled over during a hard touchdown on sloping terrain about 4 miles north of Ramona, California. The helicopter was owned and operated by the commercial certificated pilot, and it was substantially damaged. The private pilot and passenger were not injured during the personal flight that was performed under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from Ramona about 0855.

The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he and his passenger were orbiting a residence about 2,000 feet mean sea level. The purpose of the flight was to take pictures of the residence. While circling, they were approximately 100 feet above the terrain elevation. The pilot stated that he allowed the helicopter's airspeed to decrease to about 30 mph, and it lost effective translational lift. At the time, the helicopter was within about 100 pounds of its maximum gross weight. The pilot additionally reported that he got behind the power curve, main rotor rpm decreased, and the helicopter began descending. The pilot indicated that to attempt a recovery in the mountainous area would have uncertain results. Therefore, he thought it best to make a precautionary landing. The touchdown was hard on the downhill terrain, and during the impact the right rear landing gear tube fractured. According to the pilot, no mechanical malfunctions were experienced with his helicopter.