Accident Narrative
The pilots were conducting approaches to the airport when the helicopter's main rotor blades struck the tail boom, causing the tail rotor to separate. The helicopter subsequently went out of control and impacted on sloping terrain near the approach end of runway 11.
Pilot Information
The pilot-in-command (PIC) held a commercial certificate with airplane single-engine land, multi-engine land, and instrument ratings, but only a private certificate for rotorcraft/helicopters. On the accident flight, the PIC occupied the right pilot seat, while the other pilot was in the left seat. This helicopter is normally flown from the left seat.
The left-seat occupant held an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate for multi-engine land airplanes and was preparing for a check flight to obtain a private rotorcraft rating.
Investigation Findings
No preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft or engines was found during the investigation. Manufacturing personnel at McDonnell Douglas reported that the main rotor blades would not strike the tail boom if the rotor rpm was above 90%.
Weather Information
At approximately 28 west at Albany, the 1550 EST wind was from 160 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 23 knots.