Accident Details
A commercial pilot with 5,740 hours of flight experience lost control of a single-engine helicopter while maneuvering during an aerial application flight. According to the pilot, the accident occurred when he made a right turn into the wind and a gust of wind "must have hit the tail causing him to lose tail-rotor authority." The pilot stated that he applied full left pedal input in an attempt to correct the situation, but the helicopter touched down and the left skid dug into the soft ground, causing the aircraft to roll onto its left side.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the wind was reported from 240 degrees at 4 knots, gusting to 12 knots.
Pilot Experience
The pilot reported having accumulated 70 hours in the same make and model of helicopter. He stated that there were no anomalies with the helicopter prior to the accident.