Incident Overview
A pilot on a solo instructional flight was practicing landings in a helicopter. The pilot reported that during one landing approach, the airspeed was too high. While flaring to reduce speed, the tail rotor contacted the ground, resulting in the separation of one tail rotor blade.
Sequence of Events
Following the blade separation, a severe vibration developed before the helicopter could be landed and the engine shut down. The vibration caused the tail rotor gear box to detach from the airframe. No other damage was reported to the aircraft.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The pilot held a single engine land airplane certificate and was operating the helicopter under solo instructional privileges. The specific helicopter type and registration were not disclosed in the source.
Damage Assessment
The damage was limited to the tail rotor blade and gear box. The source notes that no other components were damaged.