Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance between the tail rotor of his helicopter and a piece of farm equipment during the landing sequence.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While landing his helicopter at a cattle feeding lot, the pilot failed to maintain clearance from a piece of farm equipment that had been parked near the location that he chose to land at. While less than 10 feet above his landing spot, the pilot inadvertently allowed the tail rotor of the helicopter to come in contact with the piece of equipment.
Source record
Factual narrative
While landing his helicopter at a cattle feeding lot, the pilot failed to maintain clearance from a piece of farm equipment that had been parked near the location that he chose to land at. While less than 10 feet above his landing spot, the pilot inadvertently allowed the tail rotor of the helicopter to impact the piece of equipment.