Accident Summary
According to the pilot, a 250 lb load suspended on a 30 ft external line had been set down at a site at an elevation of approximately 3500 ft MSL. After the load was released, the pilot attempted to transition from a hover to a climb, but the helicopter began to settle. Efforts to correct for this situation were unsuccessful, and the helicopter subsequently impacted the ground. The main rotor blades struck the uphill side of the terrain.
Pilot Report
The pilot estimated the wind at the time was from 180 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 12 knots; however, he believed the wind had changed or become calm when the accident occurred. About 30 miles away at Eugene, Oregon, the reported wind was from the same direction at 16 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The density altitude was calculated to be approximately 4100 ft. The helicopter was within its weight and balance limits.
Environmental Conditions
The accident site elevation was about 3500 ft MSL. The density altitude was around 4100 ft. The pilot's observation of a potential wind shift suggests variable conditions near the site compared to the Eugene airport observation.