Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision to land with a gusting left quartering tailwind and his subsequent attempt to reposition the helicopter and take off, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, after landing the helicopter in an empty parking spot, he realized that the helicopter was oriented with a tailwind. He decided to reposition the helicopter, and shortly after liftoff, he felt a strong wind gust from the left. The helicopter's right skid then impacted the ground, and the helicopter dynamically rolled over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tailcone, and horizontal stabilizer. 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 helicopter pilot reported that, after landing in an empty parking spot, he realized that he was oriented with a tailwind. He decided to reposition the helicopter and shortly after liftoff, he felt a strong gust from the left, the helicopter's right skid impacted the ground and dynamically rolled over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tailcone, and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 10 minutes after the accident, the wind was 150° at 12 knots, gusting up to 19 knots. The pilot reported that the wind was variable and gusting. The helicopter was oriented to the northwest.