Incident Overview
A commercial helicopter was engaged in an external load operation, carrying a bundle of ladders taped together and suspended from a 15-foot line. During the flight, the load shifted, and one of the ladders made contact with the tail rotor. The impact caused the tail rotor to separate from the helicopter.
Emergency Response
Following the tail rotor separation, the pilot initiated an emergency autorotation to manage the descent. The helicopter touched down at an off-airport location and subsequently rolled onto its side.
Operational Context
According to the operator's FAA-approved flight manual for external loads, the pilot bears sole responsibility for ensuring that the load is properly rigged before departure.