What happened
During a wildlife and mapping survey, a single-engine helicopter was hovering approximately 100 feet above the ground when the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The pilot reported that while slowing the helicopter to mark a waypoint, he encountered a 15-knot tailwind. As the pilot applied left torque pedal and increased collective, the main rotor RPM decreased.
The resulting hard landing occurred in a marsh, causing the tail boom to separate from the aircraft and the main rotor blades to impact the ground. The helicopter came to rest in an upright position with its nose pointing upward. The pilot was not injured and was able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
The pilot stated there were no malfunctions identified with the helicopter engine or flight controls. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were visual meteorological conditions with a temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit.