Incident Overview
A helicopter pilot was engaged in external load logging operations. The pilot was hooked up to a tree length root wad that had been previously knocked over and topped. The pilot lifted the tree length and rotated it 180 degrees from its original position to break the roots free from the ground.
Sequence of Events
Once the roots were loose, the pilot initiated a takeoff. The tree became airborne and traveled approximately 25 to 50 yards before the roots impacted the ground. The impact caused the Kevlar long-line to snap near its midpoint. The broken end of the line rebounded upward and struck the tail rotor.
Pilot Actions
The pilot immediately recognized a tail rotor failure. He informed the ground crew of the situation and identified an open area approximately 100 yards from the point of failure. During the second 360-degree spin, the pilot reduced power when the nose of the helicopter was aligned with the intended crash site. Realizing he was too low to reach the site, he pulled pitch, which induced a rapid spin. On the second or third spin, the helicopter struck trees and then fell to the ground.
Aftermath
After the impact, the pilot evacuated from the helicopter. No further details are available from the source.