Accident Details
A pilot operating a high skid, turbine-powered helicopter landed at a remote drilling site constructed of 6-inch by 6-inch wooden beams. The landing required the pilot to align the helicopter perpendicular to the beams and set the skids directly on them. After landing, the pilot retarded the engine throttle to flight idle to initiate the mandatory 2-minute engine cool-down procedure.
Pilot's Actions
The pilot then exited the helicopter to inspect the placement of the skids on the beams. In a written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot reported: "While waiting, I stepped out of the helicopter to look under the helicopter to verify that my bear paws were both securely placed on the supporting timber. Within a moment of stepping out, I noticed movement and watched as the helicopter tipped backwards until it came to rest on the tail rotor and stinger."
Postaccident Findings
A postaccident inspection revealed that during landing, the pilot had inadvertently positioned the helicopter's skids behind the aft wooden beam rather than directly on it. When the pilot exited, the weight shift caused the helicopter to tip backwards. The pilot stated there were no preimpact mechanical problems with the helicopter. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the tail boom, tail rotor drive system, and tail rotor gearbox.