Helicopter Strikes Ground After Pilot Looks at Phone

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while performing low-altitude maneuvers over a field, he looked down at his phone inside the cockpit. When he looked back outside, the helicopter's left skid had already struck the ground. The aircraft subsequently rolled onto its left side.

Damage

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and rotor systems as a result of the rollover and ground contact.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The incident was attributed to the momentary distraction caused by looking at the phone.