Accident Details
A certificated commercial helicopter pilot was conducting a landing on an elevated landing platform. After the helicopter touched down, the pilot retarded the throttle to the flight idle position. At that moment, the helicopter began to shake violently and tip backwards. In response, the pilot opened the throttle in an attempt to restore rotor rpm, but the helicopter continued to tip backwards until the tail rotor blades struck the ground.
Damage Assessment
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the tail rotor gearbox assembly and the vertical fin. No other damage was reported.
Pilot's Reflection
According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations inspector, the pilot later stated that after reflecting on the events surrounding the accident, she believed she had landed the helicopter with the rear skid cross-tube positioned over the aft edge of the elevated platform.
Official Findings
No probable cause has been stated by the investigating authorities.