Accident Overview
A helicopter pilot encountered turbulent wind conditions while on short final approach to a mountain helipad. The pilot aborted the first two approaches and attempted a third. During the third approach, the helicopter again encountered turbulent conditions. The pilot attempted to maneuver the helicopter by turning downslope to avoid the upsloping terrain. While in the turn, the helicopter struck high vegetation and then the ground.
Weather Information
The pilot reported checking weather by listening to the Reno Flight Service Station recorded weather. A SIGMET was in effect at the time and was forecasting severe turbulence. The SIGMET stated: "Strong updrafts and down drafts over mountains and also low level wind shear expected."
Helipad Location
The mountain helipad was located at an elevation of 8,514 feet above mean sea level.
Pilot Actions
The pilot made three approach attempts to the helipad. The first two were aborted due to turbulent conditions. During the third approach, the pilot encountered turbulence again and turned downslope, which led to the helicopter striking vegetation and the ground.