Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that while maneuvering for departure, the helicopter began to drift to the left. During an attempt to correct the drift, the left main landing gear contacted the ground and the strut collapsed. The helicopter subsequently rolled over.
Damage Assessment
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and rotor blades as a result of the roll-over.
Meteorological Information
The 1356 METAR observation at Redmond, Oregon, located 11 miles southwest of the accident site, reported winds from 310 degrees at 17 knots gusting to 21 knots. The pilot reported that at the time of the accident, the winds at the location were from the southwest at 15 knots, gusting to 29 knots.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures that contributed to the accident.