NTSB Factual Report

The student pilot reported that, while hovering the helicopter, a wind gust picked up the helicopter and pushed it to the left. He attempted to recover, but the skid impacted the ground and the helicopter rolled onto its left side.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the windscreen and tailboom.

The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 340° at 4 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control during a hover.