Flight History
The pilot received a weather briefing before departing on an aerial traffic patrol for a local radio station. After being issued a Special VFR clearance to follow a pre-established route, the pilot encountered thunderstorm activity soon after departure. He returned to the departure airport and hovered until the thunderstorm activity subsided. Approximately 30 minutes later, the pilot departed again but was unable to conduct the flight as planned.
With the weather deteriorating, the pilot received clearance to another airport. When about one mile from that airport, visibility was reported as 1/2 mile.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that when about 100 feet AGL, he turned northeast into the wind to get close to the boundary road and fence and to obtain visual references. He stated that visibility through the bubble was distorted by heavy downpour and bubble fog. While attempting a hover landing, the helicopter touched down tail low, moving rearward. The rear part of the skids and the tail rotor contacted the ground, resulting in a loss of control.