Accident Narrative
A pilot was conducting long-line operations moving bags of cedar mulch. During the final approach to the drop zone, the pilot looked outside at the trees and did not observe any wind indication. A slight shudder was felt as the helicopter exited translational lift. The pilot again checked the trees and, seeing no wind signs, continued the approach.
Upon reaching the drop zone, the pilot attempted to release the bag but discovered the remote hook plug had become unplugged. The pilot decided to lift the load again and relocate the bag to the mulch pile to land and manually detach the hook. As the bag was lifted off the ground, the helicopter began an uncontrolled right spin. The pilot noticed the collective was in the full up position and lowered it in an attempt to stop the rotation, but before the spin could be arrested, the helicopter struck a pile of mulch and rolled onto its right side.
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.