Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s abrupt flight control inputs to correct for dynamic rollover, resulting in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was repositioning the helicopter from one landing pad to another. As the helicopter lifted off the ground, the right skid became momentarily stuck, and the helicopter began to roll to the right. To prevent dynamic rollover, the pilot immediately lowered the collective. As a result, the helicopter’s left skid struck the ground and the helicopter bounced, sustaining substantial damage to the tail boom. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.