What happened
During a practice hover maneuver, the pilot experienced a loss of directional control. This loss of control caused the helicopter to pitch upward at an angle estimated between 20 and 25 degrees. As a result of this attitude change, the tail rotor made contact with the snow surface below.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed that the helicopter sustained substantial damage due to the impact. Despite the significant structural damage, there were no injuries reported among those on board.
Findings
The flight instructor (CFI) provided commentary regarding the circumstances of the accident. She indicated that the maneuver should have been conducted at a higher altitude. The instructor noted that hovering over a surface with clear depth perception cues would help prevent confusion regarding altitude and position, suggesting that the lack of visual reference contributed to the loss of control.
Safety message
When practicing hover maneuvers, pilots should ensure sufficient altitude is maintained. Utilizing surfaces that provide clear depth perception can aid in maintaining proper orientation and preventing control errors.