What happened
On the day of the accident, a helicopter was being operated for the purpose of photographing a nearby golf course. While maneuvering to facilitate this task, the aircraft was traveling in a backward motion at an altitude of approximately 60 feet above the ground. During these maneuvers, the tail rotor assembly collided with trees, which subsequently caused the helicopter to collide with the ground.
The aircraft came to rest on its left side at a 010-degree magnetic heading, located approximately 5 nautical miles southeast of downtown Huntsville, Alabama. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the aircraft prior to the accident.
The investigation
An examination of the wreckage site revealed that debris was scattered in the immediate vicinity of the downed aircraft. Investigators determined that the tail rotor blade had separated from the tail boom, and the tail boom itself was also separated from the main structure.
On-site examination confirmed that the tail rotor struck a tree at an altitude of approximately 60 feet. The center of impact was nearly vertical in direction, located 46 feet from the tree that was struck. Furthermore, the ground scar produced by the helicopter was consistent with very little or no lateral movement during the impact.