The helicopter was being flown along a watercourse at a height of about 10 ft and an airspeed of about 85 kt. As the pilot rotated the aircraft to commence a climb the rear of the landing skids struck the water. The helicopter pitched forward, overturned and sank. The water surface at the time of the accident was smooth and glassy. The judgement of height above such a surface is difficult. The inexperienced pilot was apparently aware of these difficulties, however, on this occasion misjudged the height of the helicopter above the water as he selected the climb attitude.
