NTSB Factual Report

On June 28, 2006, about 1800 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R-44, N52EP, lost tail rotor authority and impacted terrain at Fresno Chandler Executive Airport, Fresno, California. The pilot/owner was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The local personal flight departed Fresno about 1800. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

In a written report the pilot stated that the helicopter was parked heading in a downwind direction prior to takeoff. He estimated the tailwind to be gusting from 13 knots. He positioned the helicopter into a downwind hover about 4-5 feet above ground level (agl) and initiated a left pedal turn into the wind. He felt the tail rotor start to shutter, and the helicopter began yawing to the left. The helicopter then entered a spin to the right and started to gain altitude. After three spins, the pilot executed a hover autorotation at 15 feet agl. The left skid contacted the ground first. The helicopter then nosed forward about 30 degrees, and the main rotor blades hit the ground. The pilot applied aft cyclic, and the helicopter touched down level on both skids. The helicopter came to rest on a sloped area between the taxiway and runway.

The pilot stated that the helicopter and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control following a loss of tail rotor effectiveness while in a downwind hover.