Incident Overview
During a movie filming flight, a helicopter was serving as a camera platform, filming a fixed-wing aircraft during a straight-in approach to an airport. The pilot of the helicopter requested a right 180-degree turn at midfield to land at the north helipad ramp area.
Witness Observations
Witnesses observed the helicopter initiate an abrupt climbing right turn. The helicopter then yawed as it descended into the ground. Upon touchdown, the helicopter rolled over on the sloping ground at the north airport boundary.
Pilot Statement
According to the pilot, there were no malfunctions or failures of the helicopter. The pilot stated that he encountered a loss of tail rotor effectiveness during the turn to the landing area.
Conclusion
The helicopter accident occurred during a filming flight when the pilot executed a right 180-degree turn and experienced a loss of tail rotor effectiveness, leading to an uncontrolled descent and rollover on sloping terrain.