Accident Summary
A helicopter was destroyed when it struck a lake during a photography flight. The pilot, who was flying over the Lake of the Ozarks, reported that the helicopter began to shudder and descend uncontrollably before colliding with the water.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot's accident report, the flight was intended for aerial photography of boats on the lake. The pilot stated, "I was descending from about 150 feet above ground level (AGL), to take photos. I tried to level off about 40 AGL when the helicopter began to shudder and sink through. I pulled more collective which seemed to worsen the shudder. I began a flare and collided with the water for the most part skids level."
Incident Details
The helicopter impacted the water with its skids approximately level, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions associated with the flight. No further information about the helicopter, its occupants, or the circumstances leading up to the descent was provided in the source.