Incident Overview
A pilot who was not rated to fly helicopters reported that he lost sight of the horizon while performing a bank at low altitude above a frozen river. The helicopter subsequently impacted the frozen surface and came to rest on its left side, resulting in substantial damage to the main rotor, tailboom, and cockpit structure.
Pilot Statement
The pilot, who was not helicopter-rated, later told a representative of the Federal Aviation Administration and local sheriff's deputies that the helicopter was functioning "normally" at the time of impact. He added, "somehow I must have lost sight of the horizon in all the snow and ice."
Mechanical Status
Preimpact examination revealed no malfunctions or abnormalities with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot confirmed that the helicopter was operating normally before the accident.