Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control after a skid got caught on a fence while he was maneuvering the helicopter for takeoff, which resulted in a dynamic roll-over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while attempting to takeoff from a landing zone (LZ) that was overgrown with tall vegetation, the right front skid got caught in a fence, which resulted in a dynamic roll over. The helicopter rolled to the right and forward down the ridge and came to rest on its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom and main rotor transmission. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.