Incident Overview
A helicopter experienced a loss of control during cruise flight after an unsecured flight jacket became entangled in the tail rotor assembly. The sequence of events began when the back door of the helicopter opened in flight, allowing the jacket, which had been left unsecured in the back seat, to depart the cabin.
Sequence of Events
The jacket exited the helicopter through the open door and made contact with the tail rotor assembly, becoming entangled. As a result of the entanglement, the tail rotor assembly separated from the tail boom. The pilot subsequently lost the ability to maintain directional control of the helicopter.
Pilot Response and Final Outcome
In response to the loss of control, the pilot initiated an autorotation. However, due to the degraded control capability caused by the missing tail rotor, the helicopter was unable to achieve a safe landing. The aircraft struck the ground with considerable force and rolled onto its side.
Aircraft and Operational Details
The specific make, model, and registration of the helicopter, as well as the operator, date, and location of the accident, are not provided in the source material. No information is available regarding occupants, injuries, or weather conditions.