Incident Details
While approaching an airport for landing at approximately 350 feet above ground level, a fixed-wing airplane taxied in front of the helicopter's intended landing spot and stopped. The helicopter pilot slowed the aircraft to avoid blowing the airplane, and subsequently the helicopter lost tail rotor effectiveness. The helicopter then rapidly descended to the ground and came to rest in a drainage depression.
Aircraft Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom during the accident sequence.
Occupant Status
The pilot was not injured.
Environmental Conditions
The airport elevation was 6,572 feet mean sea level (msl). The calculated density altitude at the time of the accident was about 9,300 feet msl.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter. He further stated that he could have prevented the accident by avoiding slow speeds at high density altitudes.