Incident Details
The operator reported that the helicopter was conducting long-line external load operations in a remote area to support seismic activities. The pilot landed the helicopter on an uphill rocky slope. After landing, the pilot rolled the throttle to idle and checked the controls to assess the stability of the landing surface.
Pilot Experience
The commercial pilot held a total flight experience of 1,263 hours, with 48 hours accumulated in the same make and model of helicopter.
Sequence of Events
The pilot exited the helicopter to re-attach another external load bag. While the pilot was outside, the helicopter began to slide backward. In an attempt to stop the slide, the pilot pushed down on the toe of one of the landing gear skids. However, the helicopter continued to slide until the tail rotor blades made contact with a large rock outcrop.
Post-Impact Actions
The pilot re-entered the helicopter and retarded the engine. The impact caused the tail rotor gear box and the aft portion of the tailboom to separate from the tailboom. Both tail rotor blades sustained structural damage but remained attached to the tail rotor gear box. The helicopter remained upright, and there was no fire.
Weather Conditions
The pilot reported that at the time of the mishap, weather conditions were clear, with winds from the southeast at 10 to 15 knots and a temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit.