Accident Sequence
The pilot started the engine before two medical crewmembers boarded the helicopter. One crewmember opened the aft cargo door, removed medical equipment, closed the door, checked the auxiliary power unit (APU) door, and then boarded. The second crewmember had already boarded. The pilot reported a normal takeoff.
Ten minutes after takeoff, while in cruise flight at 700 feet above ground level (AGL) and approximately 8 miles from the destination, a loud bang was heard. The helicopter yawed to the right and the nose dipped. The pilot responded by lowering the collective and moving the throttle to flight idle. Subsequently, the helicopter landed hard on soft terrain among pecan trees, coming to rest upright.
Examination Findings
Examination of the accident site and helicopter revealed that a medical blanket had exited from the aft cargo compartment and contacted the tail rotor blades, severing the tail rotor drive shaft. The aft cargo door's locking mechanism was not damaged and operated normally.