Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot and a passenger, acting as a shooter, were conducting deer capture operations at a low altitude. The pilot reported they heard a noise and felt a shudder in the helicopter. The helicopter started spinning to the right and impacted trees and the ground. The pilot stated there was no malfunction with the helicopter and that the tail rotor hit a tree while maneuvering.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot and a passenger, acting as a shooter, were conducting deer capture operations at a low altitude. The pilot reported they heard a noise and felt a shudder in the helicopter. The helicopter started spinning to the right and impacted trees and the ground. The pilot stated there was no malfunction with the helicopter and that the tail rotor hit a tree while maneuvering.