The helicopter pilot reported that, during a vertical decent into a privately-owned field surrounded by trees and two buildings, about 20 feet about the ground, the helicopter yawed to the right. He then lowered the collective and the helicopter continued to yaw to the right, descended and landed hard on the field.

The helicopter manufacturer reported that the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the cabin assembly.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot added that he mistook the right yaw for the loss of tail rotor effectiveness and should have instead applied pedal corrections.