Landing Site Preparation
Two timber cutters constructed a helipad in a remote mountainous area by felling a tree, slicing it into two sections, and placing the sections about 7 feet apart on sloping terrain. The forward section was secured with two pieces of round wood loosely placed on the ground; however, the section could pivot on its curved side.
Landing and Boarding
The helicopter pilot surveyed the site and then set the helicopter down on the two tree sections, with the tip of the right skid resting on the aft edge of the forward log. While the helicopter remained on the ground with rotors turning, the timber cutters loaded their equipment in the rear and boarded.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, the forward log then began to roll aft, causing the right skid to shift downward. The pilot attempted to lift the log off the right skid by adding power and collective. The helicopter continued to nose over, and a main rotor blade struck the rising terrain in front of the helicopter. The helicopter subsequently rolled over onto its right side.
Operational Background
The pilot was the owner/operator of the company and had applied for authorization to conduct flight operations under 14 CFR Part 135. However, he was not yet FAA-certificated to conduct such flights at the time of the accident. The timber cutters had received no formal training on helipad construction.