The helicopter pilot reported that, during the off-airport landing in Talkeetna, Alaska, he believed he was landing on packed snow.
He added that, during touchdown, the Robinson R44 helicopter began to tip to the right, and he attempted to recover to no avail.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the windshield and horizontal stabilizer.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause: The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
NTSB Identification: GAA18CA147
This February 2018 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Maybe the pilot should have done the ole “bounce on landing” touch down and pack the snow several times before shutting down.