Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while practicing "quick stops and steep approaches," he flared the helicopter too hard and too low, and the tail skid struck the runway, which resulted in a hard landing. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that, while practicing "quick stops and steep approaches", he flared the helicopter too hard and too low and the tail skid struck the runway, resulting in a hard landing. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.