NTSB Factual Report

The pilot of the helicopter stated that he was preparing to lift off into a hover position in order to depart the airport. As he raised the collective, the helicopter became light on the skids, and rolled to the right and then to the left. The main rotor blades struck the ground, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and tail boom. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter. He further reported 315 hours of total flight experience, which included 51 hours in helicopters, all in the same make and model as the accident helicopter.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the takeoff.