What happened
On February 18, 2011, a Safari 400 helicopter, registered as D-HEDV, was involved in a fatal accident during takeoff at Lahr, Germany. The aircraft, a kit-built helicopter operated by a private owner, was operating under visual meteorological conditions with a visibility of 6 miles and winds from 190 degrees at 11 knots.
During the takeoff phase, a tail rotor blade separated from the tail rotor spindle. This mechanical failure caused the helicopter to depart controlled flight and impact the runway. The pilot, who was the only person on board, sustained 1 fatal injury.