Incident Overview
A helicopter operated by a television station was en route to cover a news event when the pilot encountered clouds and reduced visibility due to fog. The pilot decided to land in a field covered with powdered snow. During the landing approach, the helicopter's rotor downwash blew the snow, creating a white-out condition that obscured the pilot's vision.
Landing and Rollover
Attempting a normal touchdown, the pilot brought the helicopter down, but it rolled over, causing the main rotor blades to strike the ground. Examination of the crash site revealed that the right skid made first contact with the ground. The skid dug into the soil approximately four to six inches while the helicopter was moving in a lateral direction. The helicopter continued to travel sideways after the initial impact, coming to rest about 40 feet from the first ground scar.
Aftermath
The helicopter came to rest on its side in the snow-covered field. No further details about the aircraft, occupants, or subsequent events are available from the source.