Landing Selection and Incident
A pilot conducting a vegetation reclamation survey elected to land a high skid, turbine-powered helicopter in a burned-out wooded area. The chosen landing site contained several rain-soaked, burned, and fallen birch trees. The pilot landed perpendicular to and on top of the fallen trees with the helicopter's skids.
Sequence of Events
After landing atop the uneven, fallen trees, the pilot retarded the engine throttle to flight idle to begin the mandatory two-minute engine cool-down procedure. During this period, the helicopter tipped backward and slid to the left, causing the tail rotor to strike a log.
Damage and Pilot Statement
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom, tail rotor drive system, and tail rotor gearbox. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical problems with the helicopter.