Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, which resulted in the helicopter dynamically rolling over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The helicopter rolled over and impacted terrain during an attempted takeoff from the asphalt tarmac. The pilot said he lifted the helicopter and the skids were lightly touching the surface. He began to raise the collective and the helicopter's nose responded by becoming airborne first. As he applied forward cyclic to level the helicopter, a strong gust of wind was encountered. The helicopter stabilized and he continued to raise the collective. The helicopter ascended about 3 feet above ground level (agl) and was pushed back by the wind. The nose pitched up and the left skid contacted the ground. The helicopter rolled backward to the left, rotating around the left skid. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter.
Source record
Factual narrative
The helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover during an attempted takeoff from the tarmac. The pilot configured the helicopter for departure and the skids were lightly touching the surface. He raised the collective and the helicopter's nose responded by becoming airborne first. As he applied forward cyclic to level the helicopter, a strong gust of wind was encountered. The helicopter stabilized and he continued to raise the collective. The helicopter ascended about 3 feet above ground level (agl) and was pushed back by the wind. The nose pitched up and the left skid contacted the ground. The helicopter rolled backward to the left, rotating around the left skid. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter. The winds reported by the airport's Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) about 18 minutes prior to the accident were 170 degree at 7 knots.