Accident Overview
An airline transport certificated helicopter pilot was conducting a flight to transport oil field personnel to an offshore oil production platform. During the landing approach, the aircraft struck a handrail with its tail rotor.
Approach and Maneuver
The pilot reported that wind conditions, measured at the time from the northeast at 25 knots, combined with various obstructions mounted on the platform, required a specific approach plan. He planned to approach the left side of the helipad and then perform a side slip to the right to position the helicopter directly over the landing area.
Collision
As the pilot terminated the approach and began moving the helicopter to the right and over the helipad, the tail rotor made contact with a handrail that was located adjacent to the helipad.
Damage Details
The helicopter sustained substantial in-flight damage to its tail rotor blades, main rotor blades, and horizontal stabilizer. No further details about other components were reported.