Accident Overview
A helicopter accident occurred while the pilot was practicing hovering over a 40 by 60 foot helicopter pad. According to the pilot, a gust of wind caught the helicopter, moving it off the pad and into nearby power lines. The terrain around the pad slopes downward.
Sequence of Events
The power lines were located approximately 125 feet from the pad, with the wires situated 50 to 75 feet above ground level, but only 15 feet higher than the pad itself. After contacting the power line, the helicopter was landed in uneven terrain and subsequently rolled over.
Pilot Information
The pilot did not hold a rotorcraft rating at the time of the accident. A passenger was on board the helicopter.