What happened
During an approach to a helicopter landing site (HLS), the pilot performed an abbreviated reconnaissance of the area. While maneuvering to land, the pilot's attention was focused on a brick wall positioned in front of the aircraft. Additionally, the pilot believed a second helicopter was attempting to land at the same site and subsequently chose to hover-taxi toward the south-west corner of the landing area to maintain separation.
During this repositioning maneuver, the aircraft's main rotor blades made contact with a bush located to the right of the flight path. The pilot was unaware that the vegetation had encroached upon the landing site.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's approach and the environmental conditions at the landing site. It was determined that the decision to conduct a shortened reconnaissance prevented a thorough observation of the site's perimeter. The investigation also noted that the pilot's focus on the brick wall and the perceived need to yield space to another aircraft contributed to the lack of situational awareness regarding the encroaching bush.