NTSB Factual Report

On September 18, 2018, about 0915 Hawaiian standard time, a R44 helicopter, N632NV, was substantially damaged during a precautionary landing near Wahiawa, Hawaii. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Novictor Aviation under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 air tour flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Honolulu International Airport, Honolulu, Hawaii at 0845 and was destined for Weed Airport, Weed, California.

The pilot reported that during cruise flight, at about 2,200 ft above ground level (agl), the engine oil light illuminated red. He immediately lowered the collective and started a precautionary landing. A few seconds after the descent, he noted minor fluctuations in engine RPM; however, the allowable limits were never exceeded. It appeared that shortly after, the RPM stabilized. At about 700-800 ft agl, the engine oversped, and the pilot received a low rotor rpm warning. He continued the descent and impacted terrain with some forward speed. The helicopter slid about 40 ft, the left skid broke off, the helicopter rotated about 90 degrees and the main rotor blade struck the tailboom.