Incident Details
A commercial pilot was conducting a positioning flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, after having shuttled passengers to an oil platform. According to the pilot, as he approached the platform helipad to return and pick up the passengers, the helicopter's tail rotor struck the safety netting that surrounds the landing area. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical issues with the helicopter prior to the accident.
Aircraft Damage
The tail rotor gearbox and tail boom sustained substantial damage during the accident. No other damage was reported.
Pilot Statement
The pilot explicitly noted that the helicopter had no mechanical problems before the tail rotor strike. The accident occurred during the approach phase of the flight.