Accident Overview
A helicopter accident occurred during takeoff in marginal visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The pilot attempted to hover at 90% rotor RPM while waiting for a breeze. The helicopter's rotor downwash stirred up snow, creating a whiteout and causing a loss of visual cues.
Sequence of Events
As the helicopter began to settle, the pilot increased power to 100% in an attempt to check the descent. However, the aircraft struck the ground. The report noted that an article in the February 1984 issue of *Flying Safety* had suggestions for this type of operation, which included applying sufficient torque for a positive rate of climb.
Contributing Factors
No contributing factors or causes were explicitly stated in the source. The incident highlights challenges associated with hovering in snowy conditions and the importance of maintaining visual references.
Recommendations
No recommendations were provided in the source.