Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at a low altitude.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while he was spotting deer, the helicopter hit a treetop, damaging the tail rotor. The helicopter began to spin, and the pilot closed the throttle. He landed the helicopter, and it then rolled onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot's recommendation was to fly at a higher and safer altitude.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that, while spotting deer, the helicopter hit the top of a tree damaging the tail rotor. The helicopter began to spin, and the pilot closed the throttle. The helicopter landed and rolled onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot's recommendation was to fly at a higher and safer altitude.