Backbone Helicopter Crash 2009

On July 17, 2009, about 1510 Pacific daylight time, a Croman SH-3H, N613CK, collided with terrain at a heliwell site near the Willow Creek Hellibase, Willow Creek, California. On the accident flight, pilot 1 stated that the helicopter had taken on 400 to 450 gallons of water, which was the same amount as previous flights. As he applied power, the helicopter started to climb clear of the heliwell. He stated that as the snorkel came out of the water, the other pilot (pilot 2) warned the pilot 1 of a droop in rotor RPM several times. Pilot 1 said that he stopped applying power, and started to move forward.  He tried to drop the load, but was not sure that he actually activated the dump switch. Witnesses observed the left main landing gear make contact with the heliwell. The helicopter rolled after ground contact, and came to rest on its left side. Both pilots survived the accident.

Helicopter Incident or Accident, Helicopters, Aviation