Incident Overview
A Canadian pilot, accompanied by his wife, was touring the country with another couple who also owned a helicopter. Both helicopters were transported on trailers. The accident helicopter had a video camera taped to one of its skids. Witnesses reported observing both helicopters performing a low-level run toward rising terrain.
Sequence of Events
During the flight, the accident helicopter was seen striking its tail boom skid against the ground. The impact caused the tail boom to separate from the main structure. The detached tail boom was later found at a distance behind the main wreckage. The cockpit and forward fuselage tumbled end over end once before coming to rest.
Post-Accident Actions
Following the accident, the pilot refused to discuss the circumstances with FAA inspectors or the safety board. He also declined to file a report. Subsequently, the helicopter wreckage was removed from the site without authorization by unknown persons and taken to an undisclosed location.