Discovery of Damage
During a preflight inspection, damage was discovered to the tailcone assembly of an unspecified helicopter. The nature and extent of the damage prompted further examination.
Manufacturer Consultation
The operator consulted with the helicopter's manufacturer to determine the necessary repair steps. It was determined that a major repair was required to return the helicopter to an airworthy condition. Specifically, the forward bulkhead, forward bulkhead skin, and doublers for that area of the tailcone had to be replaced.
Reporting Timeline
On December 3, 2004, an inspector from the FAA notified the NTSB of the damage. Five days later, on December 8, 2004, a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report was provided by the instructor pilot who had flown the helicopter the day before the damage was discovered.
Pilot Statement
The instructor pilot stated that he had not seen the damage and did not know when or how it occurred. He assumed the cause was from a hard set down during a practice hovering autorotation. A questionnaire submitted to the manufacturer by the operator to assist in assessing the repair type stated that "damage was sustained during a hovering autorotation."