Incident Overview
A helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover and impacted terrain during an attempted takeoff from uneven terrain. The certified flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating a pinnacle approach when the helicopter encountered a vortex ring state condition. After landing hard on uneven terrain, the CFI found that the right skid was resting on a 12-inch diameter rock. He then attempted to lift the helicopter and set it on level ground.
Sequence of Events
During the lift-off attempt, the left landing skid caught the ground, causing the helicopter to roll onto its left side. Following the incident, once outside the helicopter, the CFI reported that the winds shifted 180 degrees several times. He expressed the opinion that these wind shifts contributed to his encountering the vortex ring state and the subsequent dynamic rollover.
Mechanical Status
The CFI stated that the helicopter had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.