Primary finding
Probable cause
A passenger’s unsecured object departed the cabin resulted in a collision with the tail rotor drive shaft.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the helicopter reported that, he was conducting a local area photography/video flight with passengers. Before departure he had removed the doors and provided a preflight safety briefing, which included briefing his passengers on securing their belongings. While in cruise flight, a passenger’s jacked departed the helicopter and became lodged on the synchronized elevator. The pilot simultaneously felt an impact and noted resistance against the cyclic control. A precautionary landing was made without further incident. The tail rotor drive shaft was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.