Incident Overview
A helicopter was inbound to its destination airport when one of the two pilots requested wind information from the Unicom operator. The operator reported a wind direction of 310 degrees at a speed of 10 knots. The pilot flew a left traffic pattern for runway 8, which the flying pilot described as a "normal approach for winds from the northeast." The intended landing point was the compass rose painted just north of the threshold of runway 8.
Flight and Approach
The flight and approach were normal through the turn to the base leg. However, on short final or during the flare, the helicopter began descending at an excessive rate. The pilots were unable to arrest the descent before the helicopter struck the ground.
Post-Impact Actions
After impact, the helicopter remained upright. The pilots shut down the helicopter and de-boarded the passengers. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail, tail rotor, tail boom, and fuselage.
Pilot Reports
Both pilots stated that the helicopter experienced a "settling with power" event. Neither pilot could recall the reported winds. The flying pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.