Circumstances
The accident involved a helicopter equipped with a high skid landing gear, flown by an airline transport certificated pilot. The flight was conducted over flat terrain covered with snow. As the flight progressed, visibility decreased to approximately one and one-half miles, making it challenging to discern the surface of the featureless landscape.
Precautionary Landing and Repositioning
Faced with deteriorating visibility, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing to wait for improved weather conditions. After landing, he chose to reposition the helicopter to a more suitable location. Shortly after takeoff, as the helicopter moved forward, the pilot reported that flat light and worsening fog contributed to his inability to recognize topographical features.
Accident Sequence
During hover taxiing, the main rotor blades struck a snow ridge. The impact caused the helicopter to pitch forward. The force of the strike sheared the main rotor mast, and the helicopter rolled to the right before coming to rest upright against the snow ridge.
Damage Assessment
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, main rotor blades, and transmission deck assembly. The pilot noted that no preaccident mechanical anomalies were identified with the helicopter.