Incident Overview
A pilot reported that while conducting a sightseeing flight, he flew over a mesa and initiated a hover maneuver approximately 12 feet above a ridge line. As the wind speed increased, the pilot attempted to depart the area. He stated that he encountered a strong downdraft in the estimated 20-knot wind.
Maneuver and Terrain
While flying toward lower elevation terrain on the lee side of the mesa in an effort to depart the area, the helicopter's skids impacted rocks, causing the helicopter to roll over.
Pilot Report
The pilot provided the account of the events, noting the wind conditions and the terrain encountered. No other information was available regarding the helicopter or the pilot.