What happened
A student pilot was conducting a supervised solo traffic pattern on runway 33 after completing three successful practice patterns with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). These initial patterns were performed to assess the student's aptitude and evaluate wind effects for the day.
As the student completed the first solo traffic pattern and attempted to enter a hover, the aircraft encountered a left crosswind originating from 250 degrees at 10 knots. This wind caused the helicopter to yaw left and spin approximately 1 1/4 turns. Consequently, the aircraft descended into a hard landing.
Findings
The student pilot and the instructor reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures present prior to the impact.