19990909036609A

(.19) On September 9, 1999, at 1015 central daylight time, a Bell 206B, N4010G, operated and piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain near Nekoosa, Wisconsin. The pilot and passenger reported minor injuries. The 14 CFR part 91 aerial observation flight was not on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the flight. The local flight departed Nekoosa, Wisconsin at time unknown. In a written statement, the pilot said that he flew and landed the helicopter on the south side of the pacific international building to pick up a photographer. He stated that the helicopter then made multiple passes over the building to the west for the photographer. He said that the passes were done in slow flight configuration. He stated that after each pass, the helicopter made a left turn through south to east to get ready for the next pass. On the last pass, he said that he climbed the helicopter to insure clearing all obstructions and turned right through north to an easterly direction. He stated that as that turn was made, rudder control was lost. At 0954, the Wisconsin rapids, alexander field south wood county airport, wiscon sin rapids, Wisconsin observation was: wind 280 degrees at 12 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, sky condition few 2,100 feet overcast 4,900 feet; temperature 13 degrees c; dew point 9 degrees c; altimeter 29.81 inches of mercury; rain began 0929; rain ended 0938. (-23)no narrative