Accident Overview
Upon arrival at the destination airport, the pilot hovered the helicopter approximately 2 feet above the ground in preparation to land. During the hover, with the nose of the helicopter pointed east, the wind shifted direction and gusted from the west. The tail section of the helicopter rose and the nose lowered, causing the main rotor blades to strike the ground. The helicopter subsequently rolled over onto its left side.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor blades and the fuselage.
Investigation Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector responded to the scene and conducted an examination of the helicopter. The examination did not reveal any evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Observations
The pilot noted that if he had kept the helicopter's nose pointed into the wind, the accident might not have occurred.