Robinson R44
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 39; Flight Crew Total 2964; Flight Crew Type 490
Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
On a flight to ZZZ; the MR Temp caution light came on. The ambient temperature in flight was about 90 degrees F. Due to the extremely rugged terrain and lack of landing spots; I determined to land as soon as practical as specificed in the POH. The nearest safe landing spot was at location which appeared in front of me shortly after the light illuminated. The location is a meadow; and in fact; appears to be an abandoned landing strip. It also appears that this location is within the Wilderness Area. Landing is not allowed in the Wilderness Area; however; landing at ZZZ and other landing strips within the Wilderness is permitted. Due to the urgent need to determine if the over-temp was transient or indicative of imminent failure; I believe the precautionary landing was warranted. After several minutes allowing the main rotor transmission to cool down; I restarted the helicopter and observed the indicators. The MR Temp light did not illuminate again; so I determined to abort the mission to ZZZ and return to my base where an A&P/IA was available for consultation. Continuation to ZZZ would have involved further climbing to the landing strip elevation. There were no further indications of MR Temp conditions in the return flight to the base. The A&P told me that I had take prudent action by making a precautionary landing. I believe that solid training and memorization of the recommended pilot actions in the event of any warning or caution lights or indicators helped me make the right decision to perform a precautionary landing for the safety of the helicopter and its occupants. We did not see anyone at the precautionary landing spot; and I hope we did not encroach upon anyone's enjoyment of the Wilderness.
Pilot reported a precautionary landing in a Wilderness Area due to a Main Rotor overheat.