Accident Sequence
The pilot was air-taxiing east at about 15 feet above ground level (agl) to parking. The area had adjoining buildings on both sides, which were known for buffeting winds that made yaw control difficult. During the taxi, the helicopter encountered a strong gust of wind. The helicopter abruptly yawed to the right. The pilot applied left pedal input but could not correct the yaw. The helicopter continued rotating to the right at an increasing speed, and full left pedal had no effect. Subsequently, the helicopter completed several 360-degree turns to the right, rendering it completely uncontrollable. The pilot then abruptly lowered the collective from about 8 to 10 feet agl to get the helicopter on the ground.
Impact and Damage
During the descent, the helicopter's left skid impacted the center of the taxiway. The helicopter slid toward a fuel truck and came to rest on its right side. The main rotor blade impacted the fuel truck's windshield. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom and the upper and lower cabin and cockpit structure.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.