Overview
A helicopter pilot encountered a stuck microphone shortly after takeoff and decided to return to the helipad. The maneuver to reverse course resulted in a right quartering tailwind during the approach.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that after the stuck microphone, he chose to go back to the helipad. The return flight path gave him a quartering tailwind from the right during the approach. At around 100 feet above ground level (AGL), he perceived that the helicopter's speed was not decreasing. An attempted sideslip to reduce groundspeed was ineffective.
Approach and Landing
Approaching a row of trees, the pilot directed the helicopter towards a clearing. During that turn, the helicopter began to settle or descend rapidly. He increased power to counteract the sink rate and raised the nose to set up for a firm touchdown. While the rate of descent did reduce at about 30 feet AGL, the skids made contact with the crest of a hill. After contact, he increased power, achieved a hover, and then set down close to the helipad.