Accident Details
On August 29, 2013, at 1643 eastern daylight time, a Brandtly B2B helicopter, registration N2253U, operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91 for a personal flight, was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground after takeoff from a private field near Rothbury, Michigan. The commercial pilot and a passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported initiating takeoff in light and variable wind conditions from the middle of a private field. He hover taxied downwind to the east end of the field before commencing the takeoff to the west. During the takeoff, the pilot realized the helicopter would not clear a tree line at the edge of the field. He initiated a left pedal turn away from the trees to abort the takeoff. During the turn, a gust of wind forced the helicopter toward the ground. The helicopter impacted the ground hard in a near-level attitude on an uphill slope. The main rotor blade struck the ground, the helicopter rolled, and came to rest on its left side.
Field and Environmental Conditions
The open field was approximately 750 feet long (east to west) and 150 feet wide. Surrounding pine trees were 30 to 40 feet tall, with larger growth on the west end. Performance charts from the helicopter's flight manual indicated that the helicopter should have had sufficient takeoff climb performance to clear the trees.
Examination
An FAA inspector examined the helicopter and found no mechanical anomalies with the flight controls or engine. The pilot reported the helicopter was operating normally prior to the accident.