Accident Sequence
During an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to practice approaches and hovering. As the helicopter neared the ground, the pilot pulled the collective to enter a hover. At that point, the helicopter began to rotate clockwise. The pilot was unable to stop the rotation, and the helicopter made two full rotations before impacting the ground.
Passenger Account
A passenger on board reported that the helicopter impacted the ground "hard, but not too hard." Following the impact, the helicopter bounced, rolled over, and came to rest on the left side of the fuselage.
Damage
The accident caused substantial damage to the main rotor blades, the fuselage, and the tailboom.
Examination
A postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, the pilot noted that the passenger was "ride[ing] along" on the flight controls.