Incident Overview
A McDonnell Douglas MD-369 helicopter, registration N58269, and a Cessna 185, registration N5246E, were involved in a mid-air collision. The helicopter was flying eastbound at approximately 400 feet msl. The pilot reported he was searching for potential landing sites to allow passengers (geologists) to examine nearby rock formations. He looked up and saw an airplane head-on an instant before impact. The impact severed the helicopter's tailrotor drive shaft, causing the helicopter to begin spinning. The pilot executed a partially controlled emergency landing in brushy terrain.
Helicopter Pilot's Account
The helicopter pilot stated that prior to impact, his forward vision was partially restricted due to sun glare. He did not see the airplane until moments before the collision.
Airplane Pilot's Account
The Cessna 185 was flying westbound. Its pilot reported seeing the helicopter slightly below and directly in front of him. He had just enough time to pull back on the control wheel and attempt a left turn. He felt an impact and later discovered that the helicopter's tailrotor had damaged the airplane's lower fuselage and knocked off the tailwheel. Despite the damage, the pilot was able to continue to his destination and made an uneventful landing.
Damage and Aftermath
The helicopter sustained significant damage due to the loss of tailrotor drive capability, but no further details about injuries or extent of damage were provided. The airplane sustained damage to its lower fuselage and lost its tailwheel, but the pilot landed safely. Both aircraft were operated by their respective pilots, and no other occupants were mentioned in the report.