Accident Details
The helicopter was involved in an accident while attempting to land in front of a private residence that the pilot had not visited before. As the helicopter descended to approximately one foot above the ground, a gust of wind pushed it sideways. The main rotor blades then contacted a nearby tree branch. The pilot immediately set the helicopter down on its skids, but the landing area was slightly sloped. Consequently, the helicopter rolled over onto its left side.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported that the helicopter and its engine experienced no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight or the attempted landing. The landing site was chosen by the pilot, who was unfamiliar with the location.
Weather Conditions
A nearby airport, located four statute miles to the northeast of the accident site, reported winds from 060 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 24 knots, at the time of the accident.