Accident Description
While the helicopter was sitting on the ground with the rotors turning at flight RPM, awaiting passenger boarding, it settled to the right rear. This motion caused the right horizontal stabilizer and tail rotor to strike the ground. Subsequently, the helicopter became airborne and spun several times before the pilot secured power and executed a forced landing.
During the landing, the aft landing gear cross tube collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the helicopter after the accident provided evidence of improper maintenance to the skid landing gear. The investigation did not find any procedural errors by the pilot in the operation of the helicopter.