Incident Details
A helicopter landed on unstable terrain. After touchdown, the pilot and the front seat passenger exited the aircraft while the rear passengers remained inside. The helicopter then rocked backwards, causing the tail rotor to strike the muskeg while the main rotor was still turning slowly.
Post-Strike Actions
The pilot examined the drive train for damage and found none. Believing the aircraft was safe, he decided to fly back to the base of operations. During the return flight, the tail rotor drive shaft separated, resulting in a loss of tail rotor thrust. The pilot subsequently executed a landing in the water.
Company Procedures
According to the pilot and the chief pilot, the company's operations manual and training manual contain no information indicating the appropriate action to take after a blade strike has occurred. The chief pilot further stated that the pilot did not follow the verbal procedure which requires him to remain inside the helicopter until the blades stop rotating.