What happened
During cruise flight, the pilot inadvertently applied full right pedal input. This action caused the helicopter to yaw left and resulted in the baggage compartment door opening. A main rotor tie-down rope, which had been secured inside the aircraft, exited through the open door.
The departing rope became entangled in the tail rotor system. This entanglement immediately removed the pilot's ability to control the helicopter's heading via anti-torque pedals. Recognizing the loss of directional control, the pilot initiated an autorotation maneuver.
The helicopter was landed safely in an open field. There were no reports of damage to the airframe beyond the initial door opening and rope entanglement, and no injuries were sustained by the occupants.
The investigation
Examination of the accident site confirmed that the main rotor tie-down rope had become wrapped around the tail rotor assembly. The baggage compartment door was found in an open position. No mechanical failures or malfunctions with the flight controls were identified prior to the pilot's pedal input.
Findings
The primary factor leading to this incident was the inadvertent application of full right pedal by the pilot during cruise flight. This action directly caused the baggage door to open and allowed the tie-down rope to exit the aircraft and entangle the tail rotor. The resulting loss of anti-torque authority necessitated an emergency autorotative landing.
Safety message
Proper securing of all loose items, including tie-down ropes, is critical before flight. Crew members must ensure that baggage doors are fully latched and that no equipment can become dislodged during normal flight operations or due to control inputs.