Incident Overview
A helicopter operating from a temporary landing zone (LZ) in a parking lot was preparing for a night takeoff to retrieve a patient. The hospital's regular heliport was being resurfaced, necessitating the use of the temporary LZ.
Sequence of Events
As the pilot prepared for takeoff, he observed personnel in the area of the LZ and notified the dispatcher about the lack of security. The pilot initiated a vertical takeoff to clear obstacles. After lift-off, the helicopter encountered turbulence and a venturi effect caused by wind blowing around surrounding buildings. Additionally, the pilot indicated that his visual cues were reduced as he was watching for people in the area.
Witnesses observed the helicopter drifting backward. Subsequently, the tail rotor contacted the top of a garage. The helicopter then began an uncontrolled spin and crashed.
Weather and Conditions
Weather conditions at the time, reported from Houston Hobby Airport located 10 miles east, were: overcast ceiling at 900 feet, visibility 8 miles with light drizzle, and wind from 040 degrees at 14 knots.
Injuries
The pilot and both medical crew members sustained serious injuries.