Accident Details
A helicopter pilot was attempting to land in a bowl-shaped meadow surrounded by mountains and trees. While circling the landing zone to assess surface winds and descending, approximately 20 feet above ground level, the helicopter encountered a wind gust. The low rotor horn activated, and the pilot was able to regain rotor rpm. However, a second wind gust from behind caused a further loss of rotor rpm. The pilot determined that he was too low to recover and performed a run-on landing. During the landing, the helicopter struck an earthen berm and rolled onto its left side, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom.
Environmental Factors
The accident site elevation was 8,411 feet, and the calculated density altitude was 10,059 feet. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.