Accident Details
A single-engine helicopter encountered a settling with power condition while hovering approximately 100 feet above ground level (AGL) during a wildlife/mapping survey. The condition led to a hard landing on a marsh. The impact caused the helicopter's tail-boom to separate and the main rotor blades to strike the ground. The helicopter came to rest in an upright attitude with its nose pointing skyward. The pilot was able to exit the helicopter unassisted.
Pilot Report
The pilot, a commercial pilot with 3,300 hours of flight experience, reported that he was operating with a 15-knot tailwind when he slowed the helicopter to mark a waypoint. As he applied left torque pedal and added collective, the main rotor RPM drooped. He was unable to recover sufficient rotor RPM to prevent ground contact. The pilot stated that there were no malfunctions with the helicopter's engine or controls.
Conditions
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, with the temperature reported as 85 degrees Fahrenheit.