Flight Purpose
The flight was conducted as part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources waterfowl program to count geese.
Incident Sequence
During the flight, the pilot's side door opened. The pilot attempted to close the door but was unable to do so due to the wind. He decided to make an off-airport landing to close and latch the door. When he initiated a turn, the door opened due to the wind. The pilot then continued flying in a direction that kept the door closed, believing this direction would result in a headwind.
Landing and Impact
The pilot described the landing sequence as "normal" with some turbulence and windy conditions. The helicopter lost all lift at an altitude of five to ten feet above the ground. The helicopter experienced a hard impact with the ground, which caused a main rotor blade to sever the tail boom. Ground scars indicated the helicopter was on a heading of 165 degrees at the moment of impact.
Weather Conditions
The closest weather reporting station, located 11 miles away, recorded wind from 20 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 19 knots.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the helicopter.