Incident Overview
A helicopter, while maneuvering after lift-off, struck the right wing of a stationary Cessna R182 (registration N122MW) with its tail rotor. The accident occurred on a ramp where the helicopter had been parked facing east. The pilot had requested and received a clearance for a west departure from the tower, and was advised of traffic on the west ramp behind the helicopter and instructed not to overfly that traffic.
Sequence of Events
After receiving clearance, the pilot lifted the helicopter to a hover. To visually confirm the referenced traffic, the pilot executed a 90-degree turn. During this turn, the helicopter's tail rotor made contact with the right wing of the parked Cessna R182.
The impact caused the tail rotor gear box to separate from the helicopter. The aircraft then spun approximately 720 degrees. The pilot responded by cutting the throttles and performing a hovering autorotation, which brought the helicopter down under control.
Aircraft and Damage
The helicopter sustained damage to its tail rotor and gear box, which separated. The Cessna R182 (N122MW) likely had damage to its right wing from the strike, though specifics are not detailed.
Pilot Actions
The pilot successfully managed the emergency by reducing throttle and executing a hovering autorotation, preventing further loss of control after the spin.