Helicopter Accident During Hover Taxi in Gusty Wind Conditions (N323TC)

Accident Details

An airline transport certificated pilot was departing from the airport's heliport for a local area business flight. The pilot reported that gusty wind conditions prevailed during the accident takeoff. Just after takeoff, while hover taxiing to the active runway, a strong gust of wind from the right pushed the helicopter to the left. The helicopter moved over an area of grass-covered terrain. The helicopter then descended, and the left skid contacted the grass-covered terrain. The helicopter began to roll to the left. As the roll continued, the main rotor blades contacted the terrain, and the helicopter rolled onto its left side.

Damage

The helicopter sustained structural damage to the tail boom, fuselage, and to the main rotor and tail rotor drive systems. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the helicopter.