Accident Sequence
The pilot reported a normal departure from a helipad with all cockpit instrument indications showing "in green" status. Wind was described as very calm to none, which the pilot verified by observing two flags on an offshore vessel. Another aircraft departed from the helipad to the east. The pilot then hover taxied to the west of the flight area with a right pedal turn, rechecked the instruments (all normal), and added power. The helicopter climbed normally until reaching about 40 to 50 feet over a roadway, at which point it began to settle. The pilot added more power and the helicopter appeared to recover, but then it began to sink again.
Pilot Report
Occupied trailers were located under the helicopter, and obstacles blocked a nearby field. The pilot elected to deviate left of course to minimize impact with ground objects or property. The helicopter subsequently impacted terrain, sustaining substantial tailboom and fuselage damage. The pilot stated that the helicopter was within weight and balance requirements and that no mechanical malfunctions occurred. After the impact, the pilot noticed that flags previously showing calm wind were now indicating wind blowing and gusting from the southwest direction.
Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and fuselage as a result of the impact with terrain.