Accident Details
The accident occurred while the pilot and passenger were returning to the airport after a local flight. During preparation to land, the pilot approached a grassy area adjacent to the runway and entered a hover into a 12-knot wind, which was gusting to 16 knots.
Maneuvers and Loss of Control
The pilot then made a right pedal turn downwind. According to the pilot, during the turn the wind caught the tail and the helicopter began to spin. The pilot indicated that he did not have enough left pedal to stop the turning motion.
Damage
As a result of the spin, the tailrotor struck a fence, and the main rotor blades hit the ground. A review of photographs taken after the accident revealed that the tail rotor blades, main rotor blades, and fuselage were substantially damaged.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.