Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a building during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while on final approach, the helicopter's tail rotor impacted the corner of a building while he was trying to avoid flying debris. Following the impact, he immediately lowered the collective and landed without further incident. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies during the approach to landing. Examination of the helicopter revealed substantial damage to the tail rotor, gearbox, right horizontal stabilizer, and the tail boom.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that while on final approach, the tail rotor impacted the corner of a building while he was trying to avoid flying debris. Following the impact, he immediately lowered the collective and landed without further incident. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies during the approach to landing. Examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the tail rotor, gearbox, right horizontal stabilizer, and the tail boom.