What happened
The pilot was conducting practice touch-and-go landings at an airport environment where the landing area was characterized by high vegetation. During the second landing attempt, the left skid of the helicopter made contact with a hidden dirt embankment that was not visible from the air. This impact caused the aircraft to roll over onto its side or roof.
A post-impact fire subsequently engulfed the helicopter, consuming the aircraft completely. Despite the severity of the crash and the resulting fire, both certificated commercial pilots aboard the helicopter managed to escape the wreckage without sustaining any injuries.
The investigation
The examination of the accident site revealed that the landing area contained high vegetation which likely obscured ground features. The primary mechanical failure was not due to equipment malfunction but rather the physical interaction between the helicopter's left skid and the terrain. The hidden dirt embankment served as the initial point of contact that destabilized the aircraft during the critical phase of the landing maneuver.
Findings
The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the ground while practicing touch-and-go landings in an area with high vegetation that concealed a hidden dirt embankment. The presence of this terrain feature, combined with the low altitude and speed typical of touch-and-go operations, led to the skid contact and subsequent rollover. The outcome was mitigated by the pilots' ability to evacuate quickly, resulting in no injuries despite the total loss of the aircraft.
Safety message
Pilots practicing touch-and-go landings must ensure that the landing area is clear of obstructions and terrain hazards. High vegetation can obscure ground features such as embankments, ditches, or uneven surfaces, making it difficult to judge clearance accurately. Pilots should exercise extreme caution in unimproved or vegetated areas and consider using a spotter or visual references to identify hidden terrain features before attempting low-level maneuvers.