What happened
On September 3, 2018, at approximately 1500 EDT, an MD Helicopters 369E, registration N1601Y, was involved in an accident near Orchard Lake, Michigan. The helicopter was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
The flight began at a private heliport where the aircraft departed from a wheeled transportation dolly and entered an in-ground-effect hover. While the pilot was maneuvering the aircraft to the right of the dolly, a flock of Canada geese flew into the front and right of the helicopter. In an attempt to avoid the birds, the pilot performed a quick maneuver to the right. Following this action, the helicopter impacted the ground and came to rest on its left side in a flat grass field.
The impact caused the main rotor blades to separate from the main rotor hub and the tail rotor gearbox to separate from the tailboom. The pilot sustained serious injuries to his head and body, specifically impact injuries to the left side of his face and the right side of his head. The pilot was not wearing a flight helmet at the time of the accident.
Findings
Investigation of the wreckage and pilot reports indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures involving the airframe or engine that would have prevented normal operation. The accident occurred in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with a visibility of 10 statute miles and winds from 290 degrees at 5 knots. The site was located near a lake where Canada geese frequently congregate.