Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s diverted attention to his phone while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in collision with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while maneuvering at a low altitude over a field, he looked down at his phone in the cockpit, and by the time he looked back outside, the helicopter's left skid had struck the ground. Subsequently, the helicopter rolled onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tailboom, and rotor systems. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that, while maneuvering at a low altitude over a field, he looked down at his phone in the cockpit, and by the time he looked back outside, the left skid of the helicopter had struck the ground. Subsequently, the helicopter rolled onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom and rotor systems. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.