Incident Overview
The pilot of a Schweizer 269-C helicopter reported that he diverted to an airport due to snow showers along his intended path. After having lunch, he decided to return to his home base instead of continuing to the originally planned destination. Weather radar indicated snow showers and clear areas en route to the home base.
Sequence of Events
Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, snowfall intensity increased, reducing visibility to the point where the pilot became concerned about seeing obstructions. He decided to land near a farm house. After circling the landing area, he made an approach into the wind. As he approached the hover, loose snow combined with the snow-covered total white surface, causing him to lose ground contact.
Impact and Damage
The helicopter touched down, and the pilot suddenly felt the main rotor blades impact the ground on the right side of the aircraft. Photographs of the landing area indicated a slight rise in elevation on the right side of the touchdown zone. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, there were no preimpact mechanical anomalies, and the aft portion of the right landing skid had frozen dirt attached to it. The pilot did not indicate he had obtained a weather briefing.