Accident Details
The accident involved a solo commercial certificated pilot conducting an off-airport landing on rough, uneven terrain under Title 14, CFR Part 91. The pilot reported attempting a toe-in landing to pick up passengers. Approximately one foot above the ground, he heard a loud bang, and the helicopter yawed to the right. The tail rotor separated from the helicopter, leading to an uncontrolled descent and impact with the ground. The impact damaged the tail rotor, tail boom, fuselage, and main rotor system.
Postaccident Findings
During a postaccident inspection of the site, the pilot reported finding an area of disturbed snow where the tail rotor struck the glacier. A passenger waiting to be picked up reported that it looked like a gust of wind pushed the tail of the helicopter to the right, causing the tail rotor to strike a snow bank.
Weather and Environmental Conditions
The pilot described the conditions at the time of the accident as wind shifts up to 180 degrees, gusting 10-15 knots, a density altitude of 7,000 feet, and marginal flat light on a snow-covered glacier.