Accident Description
A helicopter was engaged in external load operations, transporting water using a 100-gallon bambi bucket suspended by a 100-foot line. During the operation, the helicopter impacted a marshy area at a high rate of descent with very low forward speed, approximately 100 feet west of the water pickup point. No eyewitnesses to the accident were reported.
Ground Evidence
A ground impression matching the water bucket was found approximately 200 feet west of the main wreckage's resting place. The southern portion of the hole created by the bucket, where 3 to 5 foot tall grass was present, showed the grass pushed or laid back in a southerly direction. Deep impressions were observed aft of the toe of the left skid tube at the attaching point to the crosstube, corresponding to the steel cable used with the external load. No similar impressions were found on the other skid or crosstube assemblies.
Mechanical Examination
Examination of the helicopter and related components revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure or malfunction.
Pilot Experience
The commercial pilot had accumulated a total of 4 hours of experience operating with a 100-foot sling.