Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The helicopter was being operated as a corporate/executive flight when it received substantial damage during a hard landing. The pilot had been demonstrating inputs needed to control the helicopter to the passenger. He was demonstrating a normal approach to a hover by talking through all the control inputs during a visual approach. The tail boom separated from the fuselage during the hard landing.
Source record
Factual narrative
The helicopter was being operated as a corporate/executive flight when it received substantial during a hard landing. The pilot had been demonstrating inputs needed to control a helicopter to the passenger. The pilot was demonstrating a normal approach to a hover by talking through all the control inputs during a visual approach. The tail boom separated from the fuselage during the hard landing.