Incident Overview
A helicopter conducting a training flight was destroyed after a gust of wind caused a loss of control during a low-altitude maneuver. The helicopter had departed into the wind with the student pilot at the controls. During the aerial taxi, the helicopter encountered turbulence, prompting the flight instructor to take control.
Maneuver and Loss of Control
At an altitude of approximately 500 to 600 feet above ground level, the instructor initiated a turn to the south. During the turn, a gust of wind weathervaned the helicopter around onto an easterly heading. While the instructor attempted to turn back towards the south, the helicopter settled to the ground.
Impact and Damage
The helicopter struck the ground tail first, then rolled over onto its left side before coming to rest. The impact and subsequent rollover destroyed the helicopter.
Weather Conditions
According to the aviation routine weather report (METAR), the wind was from 260 degrees at 30 knots at the time of the incident.
No Injuries Reported
The source does not state any injuries to the occupants.
Registration and Other Details
The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, date, or exact location of the incident.