Incident Overview
A pilot was practicing landing maneuvers on a transport dolly that measured 18 by 18 feet. The helicopter involved was equipped with skids. During the second landing attempt, the aircraft touched down on the aft end of the dolly and subsequently slid backward.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, after landing on the dolly's aft end, he heard and felt a thump. He then pulled pitch, causing the helicopter to ascend approximately 5 feet. The aircraft then yawed to the right, prompting the pilot to initiate an autorotation and land. The pilot noted scrape marks on the bottom of the skids and surmised that the helicopter had slid off the dolly and struck the tail stinger.
Damage Assessment
The tailboom and vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage during the incident. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with any portion of the helicopter that would have prevented normal flight operations.