Flight Sequence
The first pilot had been practicing hovering from a movable helipad for approximately 30 minutes before the accident. During that time, the pilot performed five vertical lift-offs and landings. After the last landing, the second pilot boarded the helicopter and occupied the left front seat.
The second pilot initiated a lift-off to a hover. During this phase, the first pilot failed to supervise the flight. The helicopter began to drift off the helipad to the right.
Accident Sequence
The second pilot did not apply the proper flight controls to arrest the drift, even though the first pilot reported that both pilots applied full left cyclic. The main rotor blade subsequently contacted the asphalt ramp surface, causing the helicopter to roll over.
Examination
A post-accident examination of the helicopter disclosed no evidence of any flight control system failures. Both pilots had accrued only two flight hours in the helicopter make and model.