Incident Overview
A helicopter pilot experienced a loss of tail rotor authority while conducting a downwind hovering turn. The pilot had estimated wind conditions at 13 knots and positioned the helicopter facing downwind before initiating a hover approximately 4 to 5 feet above ground level.
Sequence of Events
During the left pedal turn into the wind, the pilot felt a shudder from the tail rotor. The helicopter then began yawing to the left, entered a spin, and started to gain altitude. After completing three spins, the pilot executed a hovering autorotation from an altitude of about 15 feet above ground level.
Ground Contact and Final Position
The left skid contacted the ground first, causing the helicopter to nose forward approximately 30 degrees. The main rotor blades subsequently struck the ground. The pilot applied aft cyclic control, and the helicopter touched down level on both skids. The aircraft came to rest on a sloped area between a taxiway and a runway.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that the helicopter and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.