Incident Overview
A helicopter pilot reported that while conducting an aerial application flight at an easterly heading approximately 3 feet above ground level, the wind suddenly shifted and a gust came from the west, causing the helicopter to settle. The pilot increased power and raised the collective, but the helicopter impacted the terrain.
Damage Assessment
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot also noted that the helicopter was equipped with a muffler, which he believed adversely affected engine performance. Correspondence with the certificate holder of the helicopter determined that there was no reduction in horsepower with the muffler installed if done per the instructions of the supplemental type certificate.
Weather Information
The automated weather observation station located 5 nautical miles east of the accident reported that about 8 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 180° at 16 knots, gusting to 25 knots. About 32 minutes after the accident, the same station reported wind from 180° at 16 knots, gusting to 26 knots.