Accident Details
The pilot of a helicopter was conducting a non-revenue sightseeing flight with one passenger on board. After lifting off, the pilot reported hovering eastbound while the wind was from the west. A METAR recorded at the airport approximately five minutes before the accident showed wind from 340 degrees at 11 knots with gusts to 16 knots.
Sequence of Events
The pilot stated that the helicopter's nose made a sudden yaw to the right. Attempts to correct the yaw by reducing throttle and applying full left pedal were unsuccessful. The helicopter then touched down after completing a 270-degree turn. It came to rest upright.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor blades, skids, and tailboom.
Relevant Guidance
According to Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular (AC) 90-95, titled "Unanticipated Right Yaw in Helicopters", operation of a helicopter with a tailwind can result in unanticipated right yaw or loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE).