Accident Narrative
The pilot reported that while climbing out of a canyon at an indicated airspeed of 30 knots, approximately 50 feet above the ground, he felt a hard vibration in the cyclic and collective controls. Immediately after, the airspeed gauge indicated zero knots, and the pilot sensed the helicopter being pushed downward. The torque indicator rose to 120% without any corresponding cyclic or collective control input. In response, the pilot applied right cyclic, lowered the collective, and applied right pedal to counter the torque. He then turned the helicopter downslope and into the wind. He applied forward cyclic to better match the downslope of the terrain and raised the collective, but the helicopter impacted the terrain. The skids struck first, followed by the main rotor blades. The helicopter rotated 180 degrees to the right before coming to rest downhill on its right side. Shortly after, a post-impact fire ensued.
Aircraft Damage
The helicopter was destroyed during the post-impact fire.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He also reported that winds in the canyon were gusting up to 30 knots and changing direction every minute or so.